People vs Algorithms

On this episode, the hosts discuss the distortions caused by the tech and media industries, the impact of AI on businesses, the struggles and successes of media companies like New York Times, the decline of public social media, and the pressure to achieve a billion-dollar exit in the tech industry.

Christopher Kimball, creator of Cooks Country and America’s Test Kitchen, discusses why media needs to go back to basics to build lasting brands. Topics include the dangers of algorithms, the importance of selling valuable content, brand loyalty, advertising, and culinary delights.

Discussions include challenges of non-product people in leadership positions, the importance of taste and passion in running a successful business, insights from Elon Musk on product development approach, questioning requirements and knowing the person behind them, agency world and Brian Chesky, future of Yahoo and CNN, and the importance of napping and product recommendations.

Bryan Goldberg discusses the limitations of the scale era in digital media and the importance of strong brands. They explore challenges faced by traditional magazine brands, the rise of TikTok, and the impact of Google. They highlight the importance of understanding distribution, building brands, and optimizing revenue. They also discuss the shift towards AI filters and the challenges of monetizing media. Additionally, they talk about the importance of inviting diverse individuals to parties and express doubts about launching new brands in the digital media landscape.

The podcast discusses misaligned incentives in media, from publishers facing challenges serving advertisers and the audience, to the rise of platforms prioritizing self-interest. It also explores controversial decisions such as Unity's new payment model and the challenges of model change and competing ad networks. The difficulties of media shift and labor unions are highlighted, along with the decline of the CPM ad model and the need for innovation. The origins of traditional media formats and the desire for authentic conversations are explored.

This week, we discuss the rebundling, with a focus on the future of pay TV and why tech companies will inevitably be the rebundlers with media companies the rebundled.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter 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

This podcast discusses the concept of assholes in the workplace, comparing figures like Elon Musk and Gordon Ramsey. They also delve into the downsides of AI and the need for open conversations about its challenges. Additionally, they explore the creativity and resource allocation at Burning Man, and share their experiences running in rural areas and the association with owning an electric car. The podcast also touches on changing perspectives on advertising and the rise of TikTok Live.

The podcast explores the decline of mass media and the rise of social platforms for public announcements. It discusses the challenges faced by major companies like Disney and ESPN in the changing media landscape. The chapter also delves into the challenges and surprises in media business deals, measuring editorial productivity, humor in politics, personal expression through clothing, and the concept of simplifying life through wearing a uniform.

Troy and Alex discuss the tension between media and tech, the influence of nerds in shaping media, the impact of AI, the role of technology in politics, the influence of Elon Musk and Donald Trump, AI advancements, the challenges of media consumption, interface innovations, the benefits of Slack, and optimism about conversational interfaces and AI.

This week Troy, Brian and Alex talk about their summer media habits when on vacation or just trying to unplug.Troy Young's People vs Algorithms newsletterBrian Morrissey's The Rebooting newsletterAlex Schleifer's Universal EntitiesFollow Alex, Brian and Troy on Twitter 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