Chris Balfe, co-founder of Red Seat Ventures, shares insights into the acquisition of his company by Fox. He discusses the challenges of media consolidation in the podcasting realm, highlighting cultural contrasts between their conservative content and Fox News. Balfe reveals how Piers Morgan played a key role in the deal and explores the rise of the creator economy, emphasizing new dynamics of creator independence and monetization. He also touches on shifts in podcast consumption and the evolving relationship between creators and traditional media.

Laura Jones, CMO of Instacart, chats about the high stakes behind crafting a Super Bowl ad, sharing her innovative approach that involved nine other brands and avoided celebrity endorsements. She discusses the shift towards humorous, escapist advertising versus purpose-driven messages and reflects on the changing dynamics of advertising in the digital age. Jones highlights the creative use of mascots and the importance of storytelling to engage viewers, all while navigating the complexities of brand identity in a competitive landscape.

Kara Swisher, a renowned podcaster and tech journalist, discusses the future of media in 2025. She candidly shares her experiences with monetizing podcasts and the necessity for journalists to build personal brands outside traditional media. Swisher offers intriguing insights into her plans for acquiring The Washington Post and reflects on Rupert Murdoch's role in modern media. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship in journalism and the impact of AI on marketing agencies.

Leslie Berland, CMO of Verizon and former Twitter CMO, shares her insights into how the creator economy is reshaping advertising. She discusses the shift from traditional marketing to authentic storytelling and how brands can effectively connect with consumers. The conversation delves into the financial trends influencing media strategies, the impact of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and the evolving role of CMOs in adapting to new marketing landscapes. Leslie also touches on the challenges of keeping content fresh to avoid cringe-worthy moments.

Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group and a renowned political risk consultant, dives into how media influences global politics in today's chaotic landscape. He sheds light on the interplay between leaders like Trump and tech giants such as Zuckerberg and Bezos. The conversation touches on Bremmer's encounter with Elon Musk and explores the evolving role of digital media in shaping political narratives. Ultimately, they discuss the challenges leaders face in adapting to technological change while navigating public perception and elite consensus.

Jessica Lessin, founder and CEO of The Information, shares her expertise at the intersection of journalism and technology. She discusses the innovations showcased at CES and how they might transform media consumption. The conversation delves into the complex relationship between tech giants and politics, and their impact on advertising trends for 2024. Lessin also illuminates the challenges of maintaining audience trust in today's politicized media landscape and how AI could reshape content creation and journalism integrity.

We’re kicking off 2025 with a foray into dating apps — and an announcement of Nayeema’s next venture (not a dating app but a new show called Smart Girl Dumb Questions). But first: Today’s episode of Mixed Signals merges Ben and Nayeema’s interests in CMO podcasts and dating apps, respectively. Tinder CMO Melissa Hobley joins us to talk about digital exhaustion, the reality of rebranding and the political license that comes with a GenZ audience. Max Tani joins to debrief, and next week, he’ll take the baton as co-host for the next era of Mixed Signals!Be sure to hit follow on Nayeema’s new show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your content!Find us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema, @maxwelltani or on instagram.com/nayeemarazaIf you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.comSign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media 

On Monday, Carlos Watson, the founder of Ozy Media, was sentenced to nearly 10 years – 116 months – in prison for fraud. Today, in Ben’s first extensive conversation about it since Watson’s arrest, he and Nayeema discuss Ozy, the scandal, and what it reveals about the broader digital media and advertising business. They bring on Madison and Wall analyst and former GroupM Global President for Business Intelligence, Brian Wieser, to talk about why marketers and investors were duped by Watson, what changed in the aftermath, and what the next digital media scam might be. After the conversation, Max Tani joins them to debrief.If you want more on the Ozy story, check out the three-part series, “The Unraveling of Ozy Media” from CJR’s The Kicker. And for more from Brian Wieser, check out Madison and Wall’s podcast and newsletter.NOTE: We’ll be off next week – but stay tuned for our next episode (and some exciting news) on January 3rd, 2025.If you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.comFind us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema, @maxwelltani or on instagram.com/nayeemarazaSign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media

Colin and Samir, veteran YouTubers and media thinkers, discuss the evolution of digital media and YouTube's rise as a dominant platform. They delve into the challenges legacy media faces in adapting to this new landscape and share insights on navigating the creator economy. The duo humorously explores their obsession with buying unique domain names for creative projects. They also touch on the impact of AI in content creation and emphasize the importance of authentic storytelling in today's media environment.

Ken Auletta, a renowned author and New Yorker writer, delves into the significant shifts in the media landscape. He discusses how Elon Musk is emulating Ted Turner’s disruptive legacy and reshaping today's media. Auletta offers a vivid recount of his experiences with Turner, blending personal insight with industry critique. The conversation highlights the impact of independent content creators and the challenges traditional media faces amidst evolving consumer habits and advertising strategies.