Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

Elon Musk Is Today’s Ted Turner, and Legacy Media Is “Scared”

Dec 6, 2024
Ken Auletta, a renowned author and New Yorker writer, delves into the significant shifts in the media landscape. He discusses how Elon Musk is emulating Ted Turner’s disruptive legacy and reshaping today's media. Auletta offers a vivid recount of his experiences with Turner, blending personal insight with industry critique. The conversation highlights the impact of independent content creators and the challenges traditional media faces amidst evolving consumer habits and advertising strategies.
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INSIGHT

Legacy Media's Fear

  • Legacy media outlets are scared and unsure of the right moves to make.
  • This fear has been a recurring theme in the media world for a long time.
ANECDOTE

Aiming for the Moon

  • Ken Auletta recalls a story about Sergey Brin and Larry Page challenging their engineers to aim for the moon, not just the top of the trees.
  • This anecdote illustrates their disruptive mindset and ambition.
ANECDOTE

Musk and Turner: A Comparison

  • Ken Auletta draws a parallel between Elon Musk and Ted Turner, noting their disruptive influence, risk appetite, and unconventional personalities.
  • He shares an anecdote about Turner's lack of awareness of surroundings, highlighting their shared unconventionality.
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