Decoder with Nilay Patel The social media age for news is over. Former BuzzFeed News editor Ben Smith on what’s next
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May 2, 2023 
In this conversation with Ben Smith, the former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and co-founder of Semafor, they delve into the decline of social media as a credible news source. Ben touches on the closure of BuzzFeed News and its implications for journalism. He shares insights on evolving media consumption, the rise of newsletters, and challenges in digital advertising. They also explore the lessons learned from BuzzFeed that shape his approach at Semafor, highlighting the importance of building an engaged audience over chasing traffic.
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End of an Era
- The social media age, characterized by its assault on gatekeepers and open digital media landscape, is ending.
- This era, starting in the early 2000s, saw a massive social shift and rise of new digital media.
BuzzFeed's Cable News Analogy
- BuzzFeed News initially saw social media platforms as new distribution pipes, similar to cable television in the 1980s.
- They aimed to create platform-specific news channels, like CNN or ESPN, but the platforms didn't endure as distribution channels.
Far-Right's Digital Media Success
- The alt-right and far-right movements effectively utilized the tools of digital media and social platforms.
- Breitbart's business model, focusing on right-wing content, seems successful, highlighting how these groups adapted.
