The Rebooting Show

Jason Wagenheim, North American CEO of Football Co. and a seasoned media executive, shares his insights on the evolving media landscape. He discusses the decline of traditional publishers and the urgent need for a shift toward creator-led video and social media. Jason highlights how the World Cup serves as a significant commercial opportunity for soccer in the U.S., and he explains strategies for engaging audiences through experiential content. The conversation reveals how soccer’s cultural rise is shaping modern storytelling and media business models.

Kristin Heitman, Chief Revenue Officer at the Associated Press, is steering the organization into the tech landscape, moving from a newspaper-focused model to one where tech companies now account for 15-20% of revenue. She discusses how the AP is adapting its licensing strategies for AI and other tech needs, emphasizing the importance of recency for accurate AI outputs. Heitman shares insights on negotiating with tech firms, expanding into new markets, and the AP's commitment to maintaining its independence while evolving its offerings.

Jasper Wang, COO and co-founder of Defector, a worker-owned sports media company, delves into the unique structure of Defector that emerged from the Deadspin walkout. He discusses the cooperative governance model and its impact on stability, boasting zero turnover over five years. The conversation covers challenges like subscriber ceilings and ideological limits on growth, while highlighting the benefits of worker ownership for fostering trust and collaboration. With insights on revenue diversification and support for journalist collectives, Jasper offers a refreshing take on the future of independent media.

In this discussion, Ramin Beheshti, CEO of Caliber and former CTO at Dow Jones, shares insights on engaging Gen Z with news. He emphasizes the need for news formats that fit modern consumption habits, arguing that traditional web pages are outdated. Ramin discusses the launch of The News Movement on TikTok and how niche brands can outperform traditional giants in delivering timely content. He also introduces the SaySo app, a microtransaction model for on-demand news from trusted creators, aiming to reshape how young audiences receive information.

Isaac Saul, the founder of Tangle, a nonpartisan news outlet, shares his incredible journey from zero to a profitable business with over 70,000 paying subscribers. He details the innovative viewpoint-diverse newsletter format and discusses the importance of adding new voices to avoid creator burnout. Isaac also dives into the significance of multimodal distribution, balancing growth with content quality, and building resilience against advertising revenue variability. His insights pave a compelling path for the future of media.

Josh Schneps, a media entrepreneur and CEO of Schneps Media, discusses his family's journey in transforming a local newspaper into a thriving multi-platform business. He emphasizes how blending print, digital, and events has fueled their success. Josh highlights the significance of community ties, the vital financial role of print, and the strategic acquisitions that expanded their reach. Insights into adapting to audience shifts and leveraging events for engagement underscore his belief that human connection will endure, even in a tech-driven landscape.

Luke Bradley-Jones, President of The Economist, shares insights on leveraging luxury branding with strategies inspired by Ferrari. He discusses the importance of premium content over mass subscriptions, emphasizing quality journalism. Luke reveals how The Economist is modernizing with video initiatives while preserving its core values and editorial standards. He also addresses the challenges posed by AI and the need for distinctive storytelling in a crowded media landscape, aiming to enhance subscriber experiences without compromising integrity.

Joy Robins, Chief Advertising Officer at The New York Times, shares insights on blending subscriptions and advertising effectively. She reveals how a subscriber-first approach enhances engagement, trust, and valuable data for advertisers. Joy discusses the expansion into lifestyle products like Cooking and The Athletic to attract diverse marketers. Video is highlighted as a pivotal focus area, while innovative print strategies continue to thrive. She also touches on the role of generative AI in enhancing targeting and sales productivity, showcasing a modern media landscape.

Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and founder of Republican Voters Against Trump, discusses the decline of neutrality in political journalism. She argues that transparency and conviction are essential for trust in today's polarized climate. Longwell highlights The Bulwark's evolution from a Never Trump site to a pro-democracy platform, emphasizing the importance of defending liberal democracy against anti-democratic forces. The conversation touches on the site's diverse audience and its strategic use of YouTube to engage and expand its reach.

Jacquelyn Cameron, the Chief Revenue Officer at Axios, shares her expertise on audience segmentation and B2I strategies. She delves into how Axios categorizes its audience into five core personas and explains how this drives product and event connections. Jacquelyn highlights the competitive edge of 'no opinion' coverage in D.C. and discusses the importance of localized national advertising. Additionally, she elaborates on the role of AI in enhancing audience insights and how Axios uses live events to create a tangible newsroom experience.