Hub Podcasts LIVE from Hub pub night: Ottawa
Oct 9, 2025
At a lively pub night in Ottawa, co-founders discuss the shifting landscape of independent media in Canada while tackling how government subsidies have reshaped the industry. They explore the challenges of growing a subscription-based news service and the impact of AI on news consumption. A vibrant Q&A with the audience highlights concerns about engaging younger audiences and the importance of substantive commentary over divisive content. The hosts also preview upcoming initiatives, including new podcasts and debates!
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
Traffic Is Volatile But Recoverable
- The Hub saw huge traffic spikes tied to election interest and macro concerns, then a summer lull driven partly by AI-driven consumption changes.
- September rebound suggests audience behaviour remains volatile but recoverable with diversified platforms.
Canadian Media Funding Skews Ad-Heavy
- In Canada most news revenue comes from advertising, not subscriptions, partly because public subsidies and CBC reduce willingness to pay.
- That structural reality makes building a subscriber-funded outlet particularly challenging compared with the U.S.
State Subsidies Reshaped The Market
- Massive government payroll subsidies and the Online News Act reshaped Canada's media landscape and incentives.
- Those policies reduced the market for independent outlets and created awkward competitive dynamics.