The Grill Room Mo News, Less Problems
10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 
Mosheh Oinounou, founder of Mo News and former CBS Evening News executive producer, dives into the intriguing world of independent journalism. He shares insights on his journey transitioning from legacy media to digital platforms, revealing the growth challenges he faced. Oinounou discusses the pivotal role of AI in customizing news and how independent creators can shape narratives traditionally dominated by major networks. He also highlights the evolving media landscape and the need for authenticity in storytelling amidst technological changes.
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From Instagram Boredom To A News Startup
- Mosheh Oinounou started Mo News as a boredom project on Instagram during COVID and grew rapidly after celebrities followed him.
- He credited his wife for pushing him to turn the Instagram updates into a news business rather than seek another network job.
Platform-First News Format
- Mosheh differentiated Mo News by meeting audiences on Instagram with concise, contextual explainers tailored to the platform.
- He emphasized nonpartisan, conversational transparency drawn from his traditional-media experience.
Monetize With Subscriptions And Platform Diversification
- Use a mix of paid subscriptions and advertising to monetize independent news, and start with a small dedicated paid base.
- Expand to podcast and newsletter formats to unlock more robust advertising and cross-platform conversion.