Ben Smith

Ben Smith, Editor-in-chief of Semafor and ex-media columnist for the New York Times, joins to discuss the fraught landscape of today's media. He highlights how Trump's tactics have reshaped journalism, turning media narratives into a battleground. The conversation delves into the consequences of corporate consolidation for journalistic integrity and the rise of polarized media consumption. Smith argues that the media's enduring challenges stem from succumbing to personality-driven reporting and warns against the implications for democracy.

Ben Smith, a journalist at Semaphore Media, dives into the complexities of Apple's strategy to shift iPhone production to India, revealing the hurdles of moving from China. He discusses the evolving tech landscape influenced by tariffs, and highlights the rising trend of private group chats among Silicon Valley leaders. Smith also touches on significant AI advancements and the legislative changes impacting consumer privacy and creators, providing a critical look at the challenges faced by tech giants amid increasing scrutiny and shifting market dynamics.

Join Ben Smith, a journalist at Semaphore and expert on Silicon Valley dynamics, as he unpacks the challenges Apple faces with manufacturing in China amid its iPhone’s 20th anniversary. He discusses the obsolescence of the ‘Prompt Engineer’ role and reveals insights about the secretive yet influential group chats among tech elites that shape public discourse. The conversation highlights how these chats have evolved during the pandemic and explores the delicate balance between transparency and power in modern communication.

We’re back with one long episode in two cracking segments. First up, Welch and Moynihan (Ed. note: Kmele is currently peering through a telescope on the South Side of Chicago or something) catch up on all the stupid news of the last week, including…* The news of certain…errrr……media layoffs* Defenestrations at Fox News and CNN* The “they-ificaton” of Tucker Carlson * The bizarro world of Robert F. Kennedy Jr* Lil’ Bobby: Prosecute people I disagree withAnd then it’s an hour with return guest Ben Smith (his third appearance, we think?), editor-in-chief of Semafor, former editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed News, and author of the new book Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral. No explanation needed. It’s good. You’ll like it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

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.

Join media heavyweights Ben Smith, founder of Semafor, and Nick Carlson, founder of Dynamo, as they dive into the juicy collision between Washington and Silicon Valley. They tackle the Signal Group Chat Scandal and dissect how DOGE's popularity reveals deep ideological rifts. The conversation shifts to China overtaking Tesla and Elon Musk's changing public perception. They explore the impact of AI on creative industries and the media landscape, serving up insights on trust, transparency, and the evolving dynamics of journalism in today's tech-centric world.

Michael Weiss, an expert in Russia and foreign policy, joins Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor, and Annie Karni, a Congressional correspondent for the New York Times. They dissect the fallout from leaked military plans and the absurdities of the current administration's handling of national security. The trio also discusses Russia's dubious ceasefire claims, the evolving dynamics within the GOP, and examines the unsettling relationship between media narratives and political realities. Annie’s new book, "Mad House," sheds light on Congress's chaotic landscape.

Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor and author of "Traffic," dives into the chaotic world of digital media. He highlights how social media has reshaped journalism and political culture, prioritizing clicks over integrity. The discussion unpacks the evolution of content creation and its impact on society, revealing the darker side of virality and audience engagement. Smith also examines the shift from institutional trust to individual loyalty in media, raising questions about the future of journalism amidst AI and the complexities of trust in the digital age.

In this lively discussion, Ben Smith, founder of Semafor and former New York Times journalist, shares his insights on the crumbling state of the media landscape. He delves into how traditional outlets are struggling post-Trump, while newer platforms rise. The conversation then shifts to the public's growing distrust in media credibility. Later, the hosts tackle the complex dynamics of political influence, as illustrated by Matt Gaetz's scandals, and explore controversial themes like age relationships and the ethical quandaries surrounding artists.

In this discussion, Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor, shares insights from his extensive journalism experience. He delves into Netflix's recent resurgence and its new ad tier, while strategizing against competitors like Microsoft. The conversation also touches on the media landscape's evolution and the complex dynamics between traditional news outlets and newer platforms. Smith emphasizes the importance of transparency and audience engagement in today's saturated market, providing a fresh perspective on the future of journalism.