The AI Download AI is Reshaping Journalism—Who Wins? Baratunde Thurston on the Future of Media
AI is rewriting the rules of journalism, creativity, and power. But who wins, and who gets left behind? Emmy-nominated storyteller Baratunde Thurston joins The AI Download to explore how AI is redefining media, shifting power in journalism, and challenging the future of storytelling.
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AI is revolutionizing journalism, storytelling, and content creation—but at what cost? As AI billion-dollar startups boom, ethical dilemmas emerge, and independent voices struggle to compete, the future of media is at a turning point.
This week on THE AI DOWNLOAD, host Shira Lazar sits down with Baratunde Thurston, Emmy-nominated storyteller, tech thought leader, and host of Life with Machines. Together, they unpack the power struggles, opportunities, and risks of AI’s takeover of media—and what it means for creators, journalists, and society.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🔹 The AI Power Grab – How billion-dollar AI startups are reshaping the industry.
🔹 AI & Journalism’s Ethical Dilemma – Will AI make news better or break it?
🔹 David vs. Goliath: The AI Power Struggle – Can small media companies survive?
🔹 AI & Truth in the Age of Deepfakes – The battle between generative AI & authenticity.
🔹 The Global AI Divide – Why underrepresented communities are adopting AI faster than elite institutions.
🔹 The Role of AI in Storytelling – Can AI elevate creativity without replacing human voices?
🔹 Life with Machines – Why Baratunde believes AI should be a collaborator, not a competitor.
From newsroom ethics to the future of creative work, this must-listen conversation breaks down how AI is reshaping media, shifting who holds power, and redefining the way we tell stories.
🔗 Connect with Baratunde Thurston: linkedin.com/in/baratunde|
- (Personal) baratunde.com
- (Company) lifewithmachines.media
- (Blog) newsletter.baratunde.com
Listen now and join the conversation. The future of AI isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
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Credits
-This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira Lazar. All rights reserved.