Shutdown Deja Vu, AI and Actors, and Guest Meredith Levien
Nov 14, 2023
01:18:08
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Guest Meredith Levien, New York Times CEO, talks about journalism, subscription strategies, and Wordle. Other topics include AI provisions in the SAG-AFTRA agreement, government shutdown, and the impact of AI on actors' rights.
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Quick takeaways
The New York Times attributes its success to a long-term commitment to independent journalism and a clear subscription strategy.
Meredith Levien emphasizes the importance of upholding the values of independent journalism and pursuing the truth in the face of criticism and accusations of bias.
The New York Times is investing in audio content and short-form video to appeal to casual audiences and deliver news in innovative formats.
Deep dives
The New York Times sees growth in revenue and subscribers
The New York Times reported a 9.3% increase in revenue and boasts close to 10 million subscribers. The company attributes its success to a long-term commitment to independent journalism and a clear strategy focused on becoming the essential subscription for curious individuals. The Times is also investing in other areas, including podcasting, games, and sports journalism, to attract a casual audience and drive future growth.
The challenges of covering sensitive topics
As CEO of the New York Times, Meredith Levian acknowledges the difficulties of covering sensitive topics, such as the Israel-Gaza war. She emphasizes the Times' commitment to pursuing the truth wherever it may lead and maintaining the independence of its journalism. While criticisms and accusations of bias are inevitable, Levian believes that consistently upholding the values of independent journalism and producing a body of work that demonstrates fairness and nuance are key. The decision-making process involves a strong focus on journalistic standards and ensuring that the pursuit of truth guides editorial choices.
Investing in innovation
The New York Times is continuously investing in innovation, particularly in audio content and short-form video, as consumer preferences and engagement patterns evolve. The aim is to create high-quality products that appeal to casual audiences and entice them to engage with the Times ecosystem. By experimenting with formats like short-form videos and multimedia storytelling, the Times seeks to deliver news and compelling journalism in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Maintaining focus on the value of independent journalism
The New York Times remains committed to the value of independent journalism, ensuring that the first dollar of investment goes towards quality journalism and content. While the media landscape is challenging, the Times' long-term strategy and emphasis on delivering excellent reporting and engaging content to its subscribers have contributed to its success. The focus is on providing value to readers, attracting a wider audience, and staying true to the principles and values of independent journalism.
Democrats focus on women's rights and reproductive rights
The Democrats are expected to make women's rights, specifically reproductive rights, a key focus in their 2024 campaign. This issue resonates with moderates and is seen as a winning strategy for mobilizing voters. The party aims to highlight the importance of protecting women's rights and ensuring individual freedoms and choices in healthcare. The focus on reproductive rights is seen as a way to rally support and appeal to a broad range of voters.
Republicans use education as a central issue
The Republicans are likely to center their campaign around education, particularly highlighting concerns about the state of higher education and campus culture. They may show videos and images of protests and disruptions at universities, emphasizing a perceived lack of intellectual diversity and free speech on campuses. The Republicans aim to position themselves as defenders of traditional values and principles, contrasting them with what they consider a far-left and out-of-touch higher education system. They hope to attract voters who are concerned about the direction of campuses and seek to address these issues in their campaign.
Kara and Scott discuss the new (and bizarre) AI pin, and Trump's desire for a televised trial. Also, the threat of a government shutdown is back, but will Speaker Mike Johnson be able to make a deal in time? Plus, what we're learning about the AI provisions in the new SAG-AFTRA agreement, and why not everyone is happy. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is New York Times President and CEO, Meredith Levien, who talks about the current state of journalism, subscription strategies, and yes, Wordle.
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