Channels with Peter Kafka

A.G. Sulzberger, the Publisher of The New York Times, shares insights on the media landscape as it stands in 2025. He discusses the NYT's robust subscriber model that shields it from advertising volatility. Sulzberger bravely tackles the potential press freedoms crisis if Trump were to regain power and elaborates on the NYT's strategy of suing OpenAI over copyright issues. He also reflects on journalism's evolution amid technological changes and emphasizes the importance of robust editorial independence in today's economy.

Sara Fischer, a seasoned media correspondent at Axios, dives into the tumultuous landscape of journalism under Trump's latest administration. She discusses how traditional media is facing unprecedented challenges, including lawsuits and access restrictions. Fischer highlights the rise of independent media influencers and the struggles of local journalism amidst a pandemic. The conversation also touches on tech giants navigating their relationship with the media, uncovering the future of news in an increasingly polarized environment.

John Ourand, a seasoned sports business reporter at Puck, dives into the critical interplay between sports and television. He examines how shrinking TV audiences impact sports broadcasting and local networks. The conversation touches on college sports changes with NIL deals reshaping player dynamics. Ourand also explores the challenges facing regional sports networks and the shift from traditional TV to streaming platforms. He discusses sports gambling's growing influence, highlighting how these trends affect the future of sports viewership.

PJ Vogt, host of Search Engine and former co-host of Reply All, shares insights on transitioning from high-budget to lower-budget podcasting while maintaining quality. He emphasizes the importance of ownership and audience support for sustainability. Zach Mack, creator of the Alternate Realities series, dives into his personal journey navigating family conspiracy theories, exploring emotional dynamics and the impact of storytelling. Both guests highlight the evolving podcast landscape and the power of authenticity in engaging listeners.

Back when I first started covering the internet, the idea of broadcasting yourself for hours on end seemed like a pipe dream for weirdos. Now it's how some people make a living.Twitch more or less created live-streaming in the U.S., which is why Amazon bought it for about $1 billion back in 2014. But now there are plenty of places to watch, and create, live streams. How does Twitch fend off competitors? How does it convince its most popular streamers to keep streaming? And how will Amazon eventually make real money from the operation, which is was still in the red a few years ago?Those are all questions I asked Twitch CEO Dan Clancy, at a live taping at South by Southwest. Clancy also got to hear firsthand from Twitch's users and partners in a Q&A session at the end of our chat. Thanks to everyone who came out, and thanks to the folks at the Vox Media podcast network for putting it all together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We had to stop recording this one for a minute, because Matt Belloni got a text. More on that below.Big picture: Matt is a longtime Hollywood reporter - and lawyer before that - who now has the industry's ear via his writing at Puck and his The Town podcast. I asked him to talk about what lies ahead for the Oscars, the out-of-step TV production that still has big audiences and prestige; and the current state of Hollywood, the business. Also discussed here: Awards party catering, and the most popular movie executive who isn't Bob Iger.For the record: When we started recording this podcast, the audience for Sunday's Oscar awards had declined yet again. By the end of it, new numbers meant it was the most popular show in the last five years. Obviously we would have preferred to know that in advance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Enrich, business investigations editor at the New York Times and author of "Murder the Truth," dives deep into the ongoing threats to press freedom. He highlights the landmark Supreme Court case, New York Times v. Sullivan, and its critical role in protecting journalists from defamation suits. Enrich discusses the rising legal challenges faced by media, fueled by powerful figures and a politically charged environment. He emphasizes the emotional toll and financial risks for journalists fighting for truth in a changing legal landscape.

Matthew Ball, an investor and analyst specializing in the video game industry, dives into the surprising downturn currently plaguing gaming, dispelling myths of relentless growth. He discusses how changing consumer habits, especially the popularity of short-form content, have led to decreased engagement in traditional gaming. The conversation also highlights obstacles in mobile gaming post-Apple’s privacy shifts and the complexities of augmented reality's role in the future of entertainment—raising questions about compelling use cases needed for AR adoption.

Jonah Peretti, CEO and founder of BuzzFeed, shares insights on his vision for a new social media platform aiming to foster positivity online. He discusses the concept of SNARF—emotion-driven viral content—and its impact on user experience. The conversation dives into the sensationalism in media, tracing its historical roots and questioning AI's role in content quality. Peretti reveals plans for 'Island', a community-centric platform designed to counter negativity. He also reflects on BuzzFeed's evolution into a creator-driven platform amidst strategic shifts.

Michael Lewis, renowned author of bestsellers like "Moneyball" and "The Big Short," dives into the controversial sports betting boom and its rapid evolution in America. He discusses how sports fans are increasingly becoming gamblers and the cultural shifts that accompany this change. Lewis raises crucial questions about addiction and the role of technology in gambling, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation. He also reflects on the chaotic governance during Donald Trump's administration and how it informs public perception today.