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How Decentralization Benefits Publishers, with 404 Media’s Jason Koebler and ProPublica’s Ben Werdmuller
Oct 16, 2024
Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media and a passionate journalist advocating for audience connections, joins Ben Werdmuller, Senior Director of Technology at ProPublica, to discuss the challenges facing modern publishers. They delve into the potential of decentralized social media to enhance discoverability. The duo explores how platforms like Mastodon can empower journalists against the backdrop of AI-generated content. They also assess innovative subscription models and the future of advertising as it shifts towards genuine connections.
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Quick takeaways
- Building direct connections with audiences through decentralized platforms is essential for publishers to combat challenges in discoverability.
- Decentralized technologies like ActivityPub can transform journalism by fostering community-driven conversations and allowing creators more control over their content.
Deep dives
Challenges of Discoverability in Journalism
The issue of discoverability is identified as one of the most significant challenges facing journalists and publishers today. The increasing reliance on social media algorithms and search engines creates a hostile environment for high-quality journalism, as these platforms often prioritize low-quality content generated by AI. As audiences become more fractured across multiple platforms, the task of reaching and engaging them becomes even more complex. Creators must now navigate a landscape where they have to effectively post and promote their work across various channels, each with its own algorithms and audience preferences.
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