Channels with Peter Kafka On the hunt for media optimism, with Semafor’s Ben Smith and The Rebooting’s Brian Morrissey
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Jun 12, 2025 
Join Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and former BuzzFeed journalist, alongside Brian Morrissey, the mastermind behind The Rebooting newsletter. They dive into the evolving media landscape, highlighting how legacy outlets like ESPN are adapting to new challenges. The duo explores the role of AI in reshaping journalism, discussing the need for authenticity to attract younger audiences. They emphasize the potential for revitalized storytelling and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity amidst a changing digital world.
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Legacy Media-Star Collaboration
- ESPN and legacy media blend star independence with brand strength for mutual benefits.
- Legacy media provide distribution, revenue, and tech, while stars bring creative autonomy and audience.
Legacy Media Attract Talent
- Legacy media remain attractive for talent due to brand prestige, distribution, and monetization.
- Money alone cannot sustain legacy media; they must leverage their unique resources.
Anonymous Agency for Stars
- Some legacy media work as a behind-the-scenes agency for star talent, leveraging their networks anonymously.
- This model sacrifices brand visibility for operational success and star retention.