Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

Join comedian Andy Richter, best known as Conan O’Brien's sidekick, in a hilarious and insightful chat about his three-decade career. Andy reflects on the decline of late-night shows as cultural staples and his adaptation to new media, notably gaining TikTok fame from 'Dancing With the Stars.' He discusses the challenges of Hollywood's evolving landscape, the disparity in pay between sitcoms and talk shows, and the fun of podcasting compared to traditional interviews. With candid humor, he shares his life, career highs, and the thrill of game shows.

David Remnick, the longtime editor-in-chief of The New Yorker, discusses the magazine's evolution over its century-long existence. He shares insights on shifting from ad revenue to subscription models, emphasizing reader expectations for depth over hot takes. Remnick reflects on the challenges of adapting to digital media, reveals the role of AI in storytelling, and criticizes social media's toxic environment. He also shares a humorous anecdote about meeting Trump and highlights the importance of defending press freedom in today's landscape.

Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS, discusses the existential threats facing public broadcasting amid political attacks. She highlights how recent GOP efforts are more coordinated than before and the potential impact of losing federal funding on local stations. Kerger passionately defends PBS's unique role in providing quality children's programming and its importance as critical infrastructure for underserved communities. The conversation also touches on the influence of Trump's grievances, the ongoing fight to maintain bipartisan support, and comparisons to global public media challenges.

Jodi Kantor, an investigative reporter at The New York Times known for her groundbreaking work on the Weinstein case, dives into the secrets of the U.S. Supreme Court's internal culture. She reveals the court's enduring secrecy, the impact of recent justices on its public persona, and the nuances of liberal dissent between Kagan and Jackson. Kantor also discusses the cultural dynamics at play, the implications of the Dobbs leak, and how her experiences in the #MeToo era inform her journalistic approach to power and accountability.

Derek Thompson, journalist and co-author of Abundance, dives into the intriguing notion that all media is becoming television. He unpacks the rise of endless video flows in podcasting and social apps, predicting potential national attention deficits. Thompson discusses the survival of long-form media amidst quick bites of content and explores the charisma behind impactful on-camera performances. Additionally, he shares insights on his shift to independent publishing and the surprising success of his book, revealing a curiosity-driven approach to exploring diverse topics.

Will Welch, the Global Director and editor-in-chief of GQ US, dives into modern masculinity and the magazine's evolution. He discusses GQ's strategy to address the manosphere and embraces diverse male perspectives. Will reveals how GQ prioritizes quality storytelling over clickbait, emphasizing thoughtful engagement with subcultures. He highlights his collaborative experiences with celebrities like Robert Pattinson, touching on the impact of cultural shifts on men's fashion and the importance of hiring young talent to stay relevant.

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.