Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, known for his iconic works on the Civil War and Vietnam, discusses his return to the American Revolution. He shares insights on using reenactors and sound design to bring history alive. Ken draws fascinating parallels between the media of colonial times and today's landscape of misinformation. He expresses concern over recent PBS funding cuts and argues for the continued relevance of long-form documentaries in the age of TikTok. With a heartfelt plea for active citizenship, he emphasizes the importance of historical knowledge for understanding contemporary challenges.

Craig Brommers, the Chief Marketing Officer of American Eagle and former CMO at Calvin Klein, dives deep into the whirlwind around the 'Great Jeans' campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney. He reveals how they anticipated hitting a cultural nerve and opted for bold marketing instead of common crisis communication strategies. The conversation touches on unexpected boosts from political figures like Trump, the immediate impact on sales, and the partnership with Travis Kelce. Brommers emphasizes the fine line between marketing attention and controversy, seeking memorable engagement.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker joins to share insights from his unique experiences as both a leader and businessman. He discusses combating federal disinformation with swift video evidence and the public's role in documenting ICE activities. Pritzker contrasts his serious approach to Trump's tactics with Gavin Newsom's humor. He delves into the impacts of conservative media on local situations and reflects on lessons learned from governing through crises. Plus, he shares his thoughts on the Chicago Bears' upcoming season!

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.