People vs Algorithms

Plus: Anonymous Banker breaks down the logic of Warner Brothers Discovery’s sale, why celebrity investors are rarely additive, and the extractive logic of AOL’s $1.5b sale.* Watch us on YouTube* Troy Young’s People vs Algorithms newsletter* Brian Morrissey’s The Rebooting newsletter* Alex Schleifer’s Human Computer* Follow Alex, Brian and Troy on TwitterChapters:* 00:00 Open* 00:21 Welcome* 01:48 Age Of Wonders vs What Is This S**t* 12:11 The Goon Squad by Daniel Kolitz* 14:53 Interview Assassin* 17:54 Performative Interview Format* 19:43 Making A Good Product* 37:19 Warner Bros. Discovery Deal* 43:50 Travis Kelsey Activist Investor* 50:23 AOL $1.5Bil Deal* 54:23 Good Product* 58:26 Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peoplevsalgorithms.com

A lively discussion delves into the complex notion of sovereignty for publishers, questioning if they can regain control over distribution in the face of Big Tech's dominance. The hosts dissect the extractive nature of ad tech and its impact on direct publisher relationships. They also scrutinize OpenAI's ambitions in the tech landscape, speculating on whether it will mimic Google's trajectory or flounder. Insights on how integrated AI and browser experiences could reshape media and commerce add to the thought-provoking analysis.

Explore the tension between truth and narrative in today's synthetic internet. Discover how influencers and politicians have captured storytelling power, rendering truth optional. Dive into the rise of AI-driven content creation, with algorithms prioritizing entertainment over genuine connections. The discussion also touches on nostalgia for authentic experiences amidst a flood of synthetic media. Can AI actually help us find reliable information in commerce? As platforms shift, what does the future hold for our media landscape?

The hosts dive into Anthropic’s quirky humanist branding and discuss Gen Z's nostalgia for the analog world as a form of rebellion. They debate whether AI-generated art is 'slop' and how taste shapes our perceptions of creativity. The intriguing dynamics of Paramount's acquisition of The Free Press are analyzed, including why the deal may lead to significant staff changes. Plus, the conversation touches on what defines 'cool' in the AI landscape and how storytelling dynamics are shifting in our digital age.

The conversation dives into groundbreaking trends like Sora 2 and Meta's Vibes, highlighting the shift towards video-first communication. Gen Z's use of Find My as a social app raises intriguing questions about privacy and location sharing. They discuss how AI is revolutionizing commerce and media, reshaping newsletters into succinct, video-driven formats. The hosts also explore YouTube's new creator tools, which promise to democratize content production. Plus, Cloudflare's metadata signals offer insights into content provenance in the age of AI.

Explore the fascinating insights from a gaming event in Japan and the cultural contrasts with the U.S. Delve into the evolving role of communications officers in navigating social media challenges. Hear about Kimmel's comeback and the shifting dynamics of broadcast power. Discover the New York Times' ambitions to create a super app and what that means for journalism. Finally, get insights into OpenAI’s Pulse and how it personalizes news delivery, reshaping our attention spans.

This week features Anonymous Banker, a finance expert with insights into media deals and market dynamics. They delve into Trump’s escalating war on media, analyzing its implications for free speech. The discussion also tackles the clash between AI doomers and maximalists, exploring the existential risks of AI development. Anonymous Banker breaks down the intriguing Puck-Air Mail deal, shedding light on its strategic investor dynamics and how Airmail’s audience aligns with Puck’s objectives.

This discussion dives into the power of fandom in news and why comedians are stepping up as social commentators. The dynamic relationship between media and politics is scrutinized, highlighted by figures like Charlie Kirk and Sam Altman's notable clashes. The decline of the open web and its implications for publishing economics are explored, alongside the rise of niche formats like newsletters as potential solutions. Additionally, the conversation touches on how technology and evolving formats shape our media consumption and engagement.

Troy explores the diverse media landscape, highlighting the rise of niche publications amidst institutional media gloom. Alex discusses the implications of Google's antitrust situation and its impact on competition. An anonymous banker shares insights on notable media acquisitions, such as Paramount's deal with The Free Press. The conversation takes a culinary turn with a cheeky discussion about luxurious food items at the U.S. Open, including $100 chicken nuggets with caviar. Lastly, they touch on the increasing popularity of padel in the sports world.

The discussion tackles the 'trough of disillusionment' in tech, revealing skepticism about AI's real-world impact. They critique the evolution of cultural criticism, noting the rise of accessible formats over traditional reviews, and delve into rebranding controversies like Cracker Barrel's. The episode also highlights how Ozempic is reshaping lives and the cultural shift brought by Russian migrants in Belgrade. Lastly, it contrasts life quality and healthcare in Europe with that in America, emphasizing the appeal of European living.