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How to make money in Washington, with Punchbowl’s Jake Sherman
Apr 16, 2025
Jake Sherman, Co-founder of Punchbowl News, shares insights from his thriving startup that covers Congress. He explains what news is generated in a landscape where little legislation passes and discusses innovative products like NBlock AI that enhance data accessibility. Sherman dives into the competitive media landscape, highlighting subscription strategies and audience retention. He also touches on the impact of the Trump era on political reporting and the current debates around TikTok, connecting it to broader foreign policy issues.
44:19
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Quick takeaways
- Punchbowl News has thrived by focusing on niche congressional reporting, achieving over $20 million in revenue through a successful subscription model.
- The podcast delves into Congress's declining legislative activity under the Trump administration, highlighting an increasing influence of the Executive Branch on policymaking.
Deep dives
Success and Growth of Punchbowl News
Punchbowl News has successfully carved out its niche in political reporting by focusing specifically on Congress and its leadership. Founded by experienced journalists in 2021, the company has expanded from four founders to a team of 40 within a few years, showcasing significant growth. The organization has achieved organic revenue growth, reporting over $20 million in 2023, with most of this coming from a successful subscription model that caters to individuals or groups deeply interested in legislative politics. This approach allows them to maintain a steady and engaged readership, which consists of members from various sectors like Capitol Hill, lobbyists, and media professionals.
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