a16z Podcast Chris Best of Substack on the Future of Media
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Sep 2, 2025 
Chris Best, Cofounder and CEO of Substack, discusses the revolutionary impact of his platform on independent media. He explores how Substack empowers creators to connect directly with audiences, prioritizing quality content over algorithms. The conversation covers the evolution of blogging, the rebundling of media, and the importance of reliable business models like subscriptions. Best also delves into the changing dynamics of audience engagement, advocating for a cultural renaissance driven by independent voices and innovative media practices.
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Substack As A Free-Speech Refuge
- Substack became a cultural refuge in 2020 by supporting writers when mainstream outlets fired people and platforms deplatformed voices.
- Katherine Boyle argues that Substack's stance on free speech materially shaped today's media landscape.
Independence As The Core Product
- Substack's core aim is an economic engine for culture that empowers independent voices to earn money and keep editorial freedom.
- Chris Best frames independence plus direct audience connection as essential to a healthy culture and free society.
Blogging's Resurrection
- Andrew Chen recalls the decline of blogging platforms like LiveJournal and the lack of economic models driving people away.
- He credits Substack with reviving blogging by packaging payments, hosting, and discovery into one easy product.
