Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps "Substack's Founders on the Future of the Media" with Hamish McKenzie & Chris Best
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Sep 1, 2025 
Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie, co-founders of Substack, dive into the rapidly changing media landscape. They discuss the future of journalism in an era dominated by social media algorithms and the importance of independent voices. Exploring the balance between free speech and hate speech, they share insights on how Substack empowers creators by fostering direct connections with audiences. The duo also addresses challenges in content integrity and the shift from traditional media to innovative, subscription-based models.
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Business Model Is The Product
- Substack's core is the business model that supports creator independence paired with an internet-scale network.
- That combination helps creators grow, reach audiences, and monetize work without gatekeepers.
Build Tools That Let Creators Focus
- Give creators maximum creative leverage across media so they can focus on making great work.
- Build tools that let them show up, create the best conversation, and let the platform handle growth and distribution.
Lo‑Fi And Hi‑Fi Can Coexist
- Both lo-fi spontaneity and high-production video have cultural roles and can coexist on Substack.
- Direct subscription relationships let audiences pay creators they trust for either style.