Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

Alison Roman, a renowned chef and cookbook author, dives into her latest creation, Something From Nothing. She discusses the timeless value of physical cookbooks in a digital age, emphasizing their curated nature. The conversation highlights her journey with viral recipes and the changing landscape of food media. Roman shares her views on how AI is influencing her cooking style while stressing the importance of maintaining creative integrity. Additionally, she reflects on her experiences with the New York Times and the rise of independent food creators.

Join Jonah Weiner, co-founder of the Blackbird Spyplane newsletter and a seasoned magazine journalist, as he delves into the evolution of his acclaimed style and culture platform. He shares insights on resisting affiliate links to maintain reader trust and discusses how his newsletter changed his marriage dynamics. Jonah explores fashion trends, highlighting Obama's 'dad pants' as a cultural touchstone. He reflects on the future of writing, balancing commerce with authenticity, and maintaining a sustainable approach in the ever-evolving media landscape.

MSNBC and 10 other television channels, from CNBC to Golf Channel, are splitting from NBC over the next several weeks to form a new digital-focused, publicly traded company called Versant. In his first interview about the new “SpinCo,” Ben and Max talk to CEO Mark Lazarus about how he envisions the company will operate, how he wants to grow each of the brands, and what independent outlets he’s looking to acquire. They also discuss how he looks at MSNBC and progressive media’s place in the company and how he’s navigating the media environment under the current administration and Brendan Carr’s FCC. Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media  For more from Think with Google, check out ThinkwithGoogle.com. Find us on X: @semaforben, @maxwelltani If you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

Malcolm Gladwell, renowned author and journalist, joins the discussion to share his unique insights on the state of podcasting and narrative audio. He explains why he believes narrative shows are the future, while others lean towards chat formats. Gladwell offers a colorful analogy of Joe Rogan as a 'tightly muscled possum' and expresses skepticism about the internet's power despite his optimism for America. Dive into his thoughts on repurposing audio stories and the evolving landscape of cultural storytelling.

Josh Spanier, VP of Marketing at Google, dives into how AI is transforming media and advertising. He discusses the balance between technology and creativity, emphasizing that AI should enhance rather than replace artistic expression. Spanier explores the shift in marketing strategies, advocating for engaging audience insights over traditional metrics. He also highlights the need for authentic collaborations in an AI-driven landscape, addressing challenges like misinformation while navigating the evolving relationship between journalism and brand reputation.

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the Financial Times, joins to discuss the challenges of serving elite audiences amidst rising populism. She highlights the tension between high-quality journalism and accessibility, reflecting on the implications of a costly subscription model. Khalaf also shares insights from conversations with tech leaders on AI’s role in journalism, and how older FT journalists are thriving on social media. The discussion touches on the resilience of print media and the importance of adapting strategies to enhance accountability and authenticity in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Summer of Our Discontent,' dives into the media's influence on American culture and politics post-2020. He discusses how media narratives contributed to right-wing backlash and the complex ideological tensions shaping today's discourse. Williams also critiques leftist illiberalism, the significance of elite media like The New York Times, and the challenges of free speech in a polarized landscape. His insights reveal a fascinating connection between media and political shifts.

Join Don Lemon, former CNN anchor turned YouTube star, as he shares insights on his leap from cable news to digital platforms. He discusses his legal tussle with Elon Musk and why he believes YouTube might earn him more than his CNN days. Lemon reflects on his relationship with Chris Cuomo and the impact of corporate influence on media integrity. He emphasizes the growing appeal of moderate voices and critiques the sensationalism in traditional media, while navigating the challenges faced by independent creators.

Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, dives into the future of media and politics. He shares his disdain for the media business, highlighting how AI poses a significant threat to both fields. The conversation shifts to his possible presidential run in 2028, reflecting on his family's importance and the evolving landscape of political campaigning driven by technology. Cuban also discusses the impact of hyper-personalized marketing in politics and the significance of trust and authenticity in leadership.

Pablo Torre, host of the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast and a prominent media figure, discusses his journey from ESPN to founding his own show with Meadowlark Media. He shares insights on breaking key stories involving sports icons like LeBron James and Bill Belichick, while emphasizing his goal to revolutionize sports journalism through investigative reporting. Pablo also touches on the shifting media landscape, the impact of partnerships with The New York Times, and the future of content creation in a world shaped by technology.