Johnny Harris, a filmmaker and storyteller with over 6.4 million YouTube subscribers, dives into the future of news on YouTube. He shares insights on his mission with New Press, a venture focused on context-driven journalism. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional news to engaging content that resonates with younger audiences. Harris discusses the challenges of maintaining editorial integrity while navigating advertising partnerships and explores innovative funding models that support independent journalism.
The evolution of news consumption reflects younger audiences' preference for personalized, context-driven content over traditional reporting.
Creators are challenged by advertising dependencies that can compromise journalistic integrity, prompting exploration of alternative funding models.
Effective collaboration and clear team dynamics enhance content quality, allowing creative organizations to produce impactful and engaging stories.
Accessibility in content creation is vital, as simplifying complex topics invites broader audience engagement and understanding of news.
Deep dives
The Shift in News Consumption
The discussion highlights a significant transformation in how audiences perceive news today. Younger viewers no longer view traditional news as essential or relevant, focusing more on personalized content that resonates with their lives. This change has pushed creators to broaden their definitions of news, emphasizing context and deeper understanding rather than simply reporting on urgent events. The need for valuable, well-rounded stories that connect with audiences reflects a shift toward a more engaging form of media.
The Role of Context in Storytelling
Providing context in storytelling is essential for audience engagement, particularly in news content. The conversation illustrates how creators strive to present not just facts but also the rationale behind events, linking them to broader themes and implications. This approach helps demystify complex topics, making them more relatable and understandable. As audiences express curiosity beyond headlines, there is a growing demand for depth and thorough explanations in the narratives presented.
The Challenges of Advertising in Media
The podcast delves into the complications of relying on advertising as a business model for news content. Creators face pressures to prioritize sensationalism that attracts views, potentially sacrificing the quality and integrity of journalism. This financial dependence can lead to diluted content that prioritizes ad revenue over authentic storytelling. The discussion raises questions about whether alternative funding models, such as subscriptions, could offer a more sustainable future for creator-led journalism.
Creator Collaboration and Team Dynamics
The importance of collaboration and effective team dynamics in a creative organization is emphasized throughout the episode. Both hosts share insights into how their working relationship enables them to balance their individual strengths, thereby enhancing the overall quality of their content. The establishment of clear roles and responsibilities fosters an environment where creativity can flourish, while structured processes prevent chaos. This collaboration allows the organization to thrive, making it easier to produce well-researched, visually captivating stories.
Content Accessibility as a Core Value
Accessibility in content creation is a key value that the hosts passionately advocate for, aiming to reach audiences with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities. Recognizing that many people struggle with traditional media formats, they stress the need for simpler language and relatable explanations. This commitment to making complex topics understandable fosters a broader understanding among viewers and invites more people to engage with the content. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space where everyone, regardless of their educational background, can find value in their storytelling.
Navigating the Future of Media
Looking ahead, the hosts express their ambitions for New Press, their creator-led media organization, which aspires to innovate in the journalism landscape. They recognize the challenges of balancing commercial pressures with the integrity of their content while growing the company. The conversation reveals a desire to prioritize quality storytelling over rapid expansion, ensuring that their content remains impactful and true to their core values. By maintaining a focus on both creative and operational integrity, New Press aims to redefine how news is consumed and produced.
Defining Success in the Creator Economy
The definition of success in the creator economy is multifaceted and is a central theme of the episode. The hosts argue that it should encompass not just revenue growth, but also the impact and resonance of their content with the audience. Emphasis is placed on cultivating a loyal community that appreciates thoughtful storytelling while avoiding the pitfalls associated with the relentless pursuit of clicks. This perspective encourages creators to align their goals with their values, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and sustainable careers.
Try Airalo and use code COLIN&SAMIR3 for $3 off your first eSIM https://try.airalo.com/ColinSamir
On this episode of The Colin and Samir Show, we sit down with Johnny and Iz Harris to talk about the future of news on YouTube. Johnny and Iz explain their mission to provide context-driven news with their company New Press, the evolution of Johnny's YouTube channel, and the business model for journalism on YouTube.
