The Powers That Be: Daily Media Monday: Cracks in the Substack
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Dec 1, 2025 Jon Kelly, co-founder and executive producer at Puck, dives into the evolving landscape of Substack and its implications for legacy media. He discusses why traditional publishers are experimenting with platforms like Substack and Patreon. Jon highlights Substack's appeal for creators, while also pointing out its limitations compared to larger tech offerings. The conversation explores the competition between Beehive and Substack, and debates the future of original journalism in a world that rewards analysis over in-depth reporting.
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Jets Win With A Last-Second Field Goal
- Jon Kelly recounts taking his son Jack to a Jets game where they won with a last-second field goal.
- He used the win to jokingly claim the Jets need them to succeed.
Scale Is Out, Niche And Subscriptions In
- Legacy publishers chasing creator platforms can add niche readers but won't replace lost ad revenue.
- Scale is diminishing while subscriptions and community-first models gain prominence.
Quality-Focused Creators Drive New Media
- Media's pendulum swung from low-quality mass output to higher-care niche work by talented creators.
- John Kelly argues intentional, high-quality work drives the new winners in media.