Decoder with Nilay Patel "All chaos and panic": Nilay answers your burning Decoder questions
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Dec 18, 2025 This discussion dives into the evolution of tech journalism, exploring Nilay’s decision-making processes and the dynamics of newsrooms under pressure. Key topics include the ongoing battle over CarPlay, the implications of AI on content creation, and the DoorDash dilemma concerning consumer agency. Listeners’ suggestions spark conversations about libraries and India’s tech landscape. The creators reflect on the shifting landscape of the creator economy and the future of their format, ensuring it remains relevant and insightful amid rising AI influences.
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Ask Your Boss How Decisions Are Made
- Ask your boss how they make decisions to reveal real organizational structure and politics.
- If your boss can't answer, start applying for a new job.
Predictability Powers Fast Newsrooms
- Newsrooms must be predictable because they operate on very short timelines.
- The Verge treats most coverage as Type 1 (fast, reversible) and reserves Type 2 for slow, structural choices.
CarPlay Is An Interface Ownership Fight
- CarPlay is a proxy fight over who owns the in-car interface, apps, and revenue.
- The battle matters because consumers care deeply about car software and interfaces.