TED Talks Daily This is what the future of media looks like | Hamish McKenzie
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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.
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Media Disruption and Chaos
- The current media disruption is the most significant since the printing press and is linked to political polarization and algorithm-driven editing.
- Traditional media was centralized and controlled by gatekeepers, but the internet broke this model, causing instability.
The Garden Model of Media
- A new media ecosystem called the garden is growing, empowering independent creators with economic autonomy.
- This model values trust and direct relationships over algorithmic engagement and advertising revenue.
Success Stories of Independence
- Breaking Points hosts Crystal Ball and Saga left traditional media to build an independent, successful subscription-based political show.
- Caroline Chambers grew a large cooking audience on Substack and later published a bestseller cookbook from that community.