Stratechery The Unified Content Business Model
May 2, 2023
Dive into the evolving landscape of content business models, examining how BuzzFeed and The Athletic are navigating the dual worlds of subscription and advertising. Discover how the NBA is shifting strategies to engage younger audiences, including innovative streaming solutions. Plus, explore monetization tactics for creators on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, while tackling the unique challenges faced by writers on Substack. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic targeting in today’s media environment.
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BuzzFeed and The Athletic
- BuzzFeed, initially rejecting subscriptions, shut down its news team.
- The Athletic, initially focused on subscriptions, was acquired by the New York Times, which prioritized advertising.
Unified Content Model
- Content businesses shouldn't choose between advertising and subscriptions.
- They should use both, returning to a more traditional model.
New York Times Success
- The New York Times successfully uses both subscriptions and advertising.
- Their subscription focus provides valuable first-party data, benefiting their ad business.