The Powers That Be: Daily Media’s Anxiety Index
Dec 21, 2025
Join John Kelly, the founder of Puck and a key figure behind the Puck Private Conversation series, as he dives into the media industry's psyche with Jonathan Rosen, CEO of Orchestra. They explore the shift towards subscription models, the surge of FAST platforms, and the looming influence of AI on content quality and jobs. Insights from Ben Smith and Emily Sundberg highlight the challenges of independence in journalism and the complexities of talent economics. Tune in for a nuanced look at where media is bending and breaking!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Subscriptions Prove Audience Intent
- Subscription revenue is rising because audiences prefer direct relationships with individual creators and brands.
- Strong subscription platforms also create premium ad opportunities by proving audience intent.
Media Is Splitting Into Two Ecosystems
- The industry is bifurcating into high-intent, niche subscription products and a large free FAST ecosystem.
- Different advertisers and revenue models will favor each side of that split.
Talent Needs Institutions Too
- Talent-driven franchises combine personal authority with institutional support for risk and scale.
- Institutions can still add value by providing reach, legal backing, and production infrastructure.