Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

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.

Janice Min, a veteran journalist known for her deep insights into Hollywood culture and currently running Ankler Media, joins the conversation. They explore the shifting relationship between politics and entertainment in the post-Trump era, pondering whether escapism will replace activism. The discussion dives into the rise of nostalgia programming and the concept of the 'gourmet cheeseburger' in TV, analyzing its implications for storytelling. Min sheds light on how the intersection of culture and politics continues to evolve amidst changing audience preferences.

David Weigel, a seasoned Semafor reporter with extensive experience in political coverage, joins the discussion alongside Max Tani. They explore the chaotic landscape of Election 2024, highlighting bizarre political ads like those during a Steelers game and in an Arizona nail salon. Weigel reveals the impact of local advertising on voter perception while dissecting the repercussions of The Washington Post's controversial non-endorsement. The conversation dives into how evolving media dynamics and campaign financing shape electoral outcomes and public trust.

With recent appearances from Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, JD Vance and Tim Walz, it looks like Fox is dominating this election. Ben and Nayeema investigate the channel’s durability despite massive lawsuits, MeToo scandals, and star exits from Tucker Carlson, Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly. To go inside the machine, they talk to former “O’Reilly Factor” and “The Five” producer Nate Fredman (who spent nearly 20 years at the network) about what makes Fox tick — and stick.Stick around for Ben and Nayeema’s debrief with Max Tani, who wrote about Fox this week. Fox News insiders, send your tips to Max! If you have a tip or a comment, email us mixedsignals@semafor.comFind us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema @maxwelltani or on Instagram @nayeemaraza Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media