"Media Empires" | The Business of Newsletters, Podcasts, Creators, and Data Acquisition

Media Niches and First-Party Data with Jacob Donnelly of A Media Operator

May 14, 2024

Jacob Donnelly, founder of A Media Operator, and Erik Torenberg discuss building sustainable media businesses in niche markets, the intersection of media and data companies, SaaSification of media, future of AI in media, and media acquisitions.

01:28:44

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Episode guests

Jacob Donnelly

Erik Torenberg

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Success in media requires deep niche focus and audience engagement for sustainable growth.

Quality business reporting over sensational content attracts engaged audiences and monetization opportunities.

Diversification and first-party data strategies are crucial for optimizing revenue in media businesses.

Paid membership communities thrive by offering exclusivity and leveraging individual consumer preferences for marketing efforts.

Deep dives

Building Sustainable Media Businesses: Insights from Jacob Donnelly

Jacob Donnelly shares his journey of launching a media operator and the importance of building sustainable media businesses. Starting as a platform to write about media business strategies, it evolved into a revenue-generating venture with advertising and events. His vision for AMO is to be the go-to resource for operators aiming to create sustainable media companies, emphasizing early profitability.

Introduction

3min

Building Sustainable Media Companies in a Changing Landscape

7min

The Value of Human-Curated Information and Niche Media Operators in the Digital Age

2min

Exploring Niches in Business Media and High-Net-Worth Passions

6min

Exploring Niche Media and Building Niche Publications

8min

Navigating the SaaSification of Media

22min

Navigating Growth and Success in Media Business

10min

Evolution and Focus in Modern Journalism

18min

Media Companies' Shift to Events and Challenges in the Event Industry

14min

Jacob Donnelly, the founder of A Media Operator, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the strategies behind building successful, sustainable media businesses, with a focus on niche markets. They also explore the role of technology and the significance of audience-centric approaches in both the media and events industries, providing a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions for media entrepreneurs.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV

Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “EMPIRES” for 20% off your first three months.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH - Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1696419056

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs

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LINKS:

A Media Operator: https://www.amediaoperator.com/

Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@JayCoDon (Jacob)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:53) Inside the mind of a media operator

(02:33) Vision and strategy behind AMO

(10:00) Why Jacob is bullish on media?

(11:34) Sponsor: Beehiiv and Turpentine

(13:23) Core ideas and philosophies

(17:03) Intersection of media and data companies

(25:16) Exploring the SaaSification of media

(33:06) Future of AI in media

(40:24) Media acquisitions and the essence of audience

(49:16) Crypto media lessons and audience type

(52:25) Art of building a media empire

(01:06:30) Business of podcasting

(01:22:23) Future of vertical communities

(01:26:11) Importance of first party data

(01:28:30) Wrap

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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"Media Empires" | The Business of Newsletters, Podcasts, Creators, and Data Acquisition

Media Niches and First-Party Data with Jacob Donnelly of A Media Operator

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Building Sustainable Media Businesses: Insights from Jacob Donnelly

Diversifying Revenue Streams: Advertising, Events, and Subscriptions for AMO

Focus on Subscription Growth and Product Development for AMO's Future Success

The Key to Scaling Media Businesses: Deep Niche Focus and Audience Engagement

Importance of Audience Focus in Media Content Creation

Exploring Diversification and Monetization Strategies in Media Companies

The Future of Media Community Membership Models

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts