TED Talks Daily
This is what the future of media looks like | Hamish McKenzie
May 21, 2025
Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack and advocate for independent media, shares insights on the evolving landscape of journalism. He argues that the current chaos of social media is just a transition to a better future. McKenzie highlights how independent creators are cultivating a 'media garden' where trust prevails over metrics, empowering audiences through subscriptions. He explores the shift to decentralized media, emphasizing authentic connections over algorithm-driven content, and envisions a more inclusive and community-focused media environment.
12:35
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Quick takeaways
- Hamish McKenzie emphasizes that the chaotic nature of today's media landscape is a transitional phase towards a more creator-focused ecosystem.
- The 'garden' model fosters authentic relationships between creators and audiences, allowing for diverse engagement that transcends traditional media's limitations.
Deep dives
The Crisis of Traditional Media
The podcast highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the journalism industry, emphasizing the collapse of traditional business models and the diminishing number of jobs dedicated to public information. Hamish McKenzie notes that the rise of social media has created an era of chaotic media, where many voices compete for attention, but the benefits primarily go to platforms rather than content creators. This shift has led to a culture where political polarization and sensationalism thrive, ultimately undermining the core purpose of journalism. As traditional media outlets struggle, it becomes increasingly clear that a new approach is needed to sustain quality reporting and informed public discourse.
