The Town with Matthew Belloni David Zaslav and the Dying Era of Media Moguls
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Apr 15, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Michael Wolff, a seasoned journalist and author known for his incisive profiles, shares insights from his recent piece on David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. They explore the challenges Zaslav faces in a rapidly evolving media landscape, from navigating traditional values while adapting to digital demands to the impact of consolidation on creativity. The duo also discusses the implications of high-profile legal disputes, shedding light on the changing role of media moguls in 2025.
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Shifting Power in Media
- Media moguls face an existential crisis as traditional media declines.
- Real power now lies with tech platforms controlling attention spans.
Zaslav's Unconventional Advisors
- David Zaslav's leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery is perplexing.
- He seeks counsel from an informal advisory committee of men in their 70s-90s.
Zaslav's Conflicting Actions
- Zaslav attempts to maintain a traditional mogul image while ruthlessly cutting costs.
- This double-sided approach might be a calculated strategy, though its effectiveness is questioned.