The Study Hall Podcast How Media Will Survive in 2026 ft. Max Tani
Dec 17, 2025
Max Tani, media editor at Semafor and co-host of Mixed Signals, delves into the changing landscape of journalism. He explores how legacy media can adapt by harnessing AI and creator-driven models. Discussion touches on the erosion of public trust, the allure of independent media, and the implications of the Netflix-Warner Bros. takeover. Tani argues for the power shift to individual journalists while raising concerns about ethical risks in the creator space, offering career advice on maintaining authenticity in an evolving industry.
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Episode notes
Separate Facts From Reporter Views
- Semafor separates factual reporting from the reporter's personal view to be more transparent and candid.
- Max Tani says this reduces reader confusion and slightly eases subjects' reactions to tough stories.
Guardian Coverage And Saying It’s Ugly
- Max recalled reporting on The Guardian's internal debates over trans coverage and speaking to both sides.
- He used the view section to label some material "pretty ugly" and be explicit about his stance.
Desperation Follows Declining Cultural Centrality
- Legacy outlets suffer when they lose the appearance of broad popularity and centrality.
- Max Tani notes many publishers now seem more desperate to regain cultural relevance.