The Good Fight Hamish McKenzie on How Substack is Transforming Public Discourse
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Mar 22, 2025 
Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack and former journalist, discusses the platform's revolutionary role in transforming public discourse. He shares insights on how Substack prioritizes free speech amidst polarization and contrasts its user-controlled content model with traditional social media. Their conversation touches on the challenges of fostering meaningful dialogue and the evolving landscape of digital subscriptions. McKenzie emphasizes the importance of a diverse range of voices and the impact of business models on user engagement.
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From Journalist to Tech CEO
- Hamish McKenzie, a journalist, transitioned into tech after co-founding Substack with Chris Best and Gera Sethi.
- His role involves working with writers, aiding their platform success, and shaping the company's narrative.
Substack's Origin
- Substack's initial idea was to address media issues stemming from social media incentives.
- It aimed to shift the focus from advertisers to readers as customers, fostering direct payments and trust.
Substack Attracts Established Writers
- Established writers like Elif Shafak, Jennifer Rubin, and Paul Krugman have joined Substack.
- This signifies a shift in how creators connect with their audience, bypassing traditional media.