Change at CNN and Google

This week, we discuss how to turn the ship at two very different companies facing different challenges: CNN and Google. At CNN, former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson is looking to reinvent the still very profitable broadcaster into a more nimble, digitally focused operation as its viewership and cultural importance fade. Google is facing its biggest threat yet in the form of AI and signs with Gemini AI image search that there might just be something to those complaints about a “woke culture.” Plus: nostalgia for websites, invisible paywalls and Substack’s next chapter.

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Topics:

• 00:00 Opening Banter and Homework Check
• 00:05 Diving Into Mark Thompson's Memo and Corporate Speak
• 01:20 Introducing People vs. Algorithms
• 01:49 The Challenges at CNN and Google
• 02:29 CNN's Transformation and Strategy Discussion
• 07:13 Exploring the Impact of AI and Invisible Paywalls
• 11:38 The Future of Publishing and Websites
• 17:08 Debating the Role of Websites in Media Today
• 27:52 Substack's Strategy and the Future of Content Creation
• 33:32 Reimagining CNN's Strategy in the AI Era
• 45:27 Exploring Perplexity's Innovations and Potential
• 46:57 The Future of News: AI and Media Evolution
• 47:14 Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Media in the Digital Age
• 49:01 The Blurred Lines of Modern Media Brands
• 57:17 The Dilemma of Independence in the Media Landscape
• 58:57 Google's Leadership and Innovation Challenges
• 01:00:14 The Cultural and Structural Issues at Google
• 01:14:53 Redefining Product Management in Tech
• 01:17:04 The Essence of Good Content: Vice and Beyond
• 01:22:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements