Channels with Peter Kafka

Justin Smith, Co-founder and CEO of Semafor, discusses how the news startup achieved profitability in just three years. He reveals how focusing on high-value events in Washington, D.C. has been pivotal. Smith explains the synergy between journalism and premium advertising, highlighting how they attract a C-suite audience. He also shares insights on the challenges of video content and why Semafor prioritized building direct audience relationships. Additionally, he argues that professionals increasingly seek trusted insights over social media.

Charlotte Klein, a media reporter for New York Magazine, dives into the meteoric rise of Bari Weiss, exploring her transition from the New York Times to becoming a media mogul in LA. They discuss Weiss's distinct brand, her anti-cancel stance, and her influential network among media giants. Klein highlights Weiss's charm and networking prowess, key to her ascent. They analyze the motivations behind her partnership with David Ellison and potential challenges she faces at CBS News, including her limited TV experience and the need to adapt to a digital future.

Craig Finn, the frontman of The Hold Steady, shares his journey of navigating a music career that's all about resilience and genuine connections. He discusses the importance of community in live music, reflecting on how concerts build shared experiences. Craig touches on the challenges of modern touring, making his music more inclusive, and the evolution of his songwriting process. He also recounts memorable moments like singing with Springsteen and the creative influence of classic rock on his work. Finn emphasizes the value of fan support and the future of independent music.

PJ Vogt, a podcasting pioneer and creator of Search Engine, shares insights from his journey after co-hosting Reply All. He dives into the contrasts between narrative and chat formats, revealing the challenges of producing a quality show with a smaller budget. With a focus on audience engagement, PJ explains the importance of ownership and independence, highlighting the success of his hybrid audio approach. He reflects on past experiences, workplace culture, and the future of storytelling in podcasting, all while balancing innovation and sustainability.

Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg's senior media reporter, dives into the intense clash between Netflix and Paramount over the future of Warner Bros Discovery. He explains why this moment marks a pivotal shift in Hollywood dynamics and discusses the roles of Trump and Middle Eastern financing in the mix. The duo also explores the competitive edge each company needs, regulatory challenges, and potential fallout from a merger. Plus, they tackle the rising influence of AI in filmmaking and its impact on production jobs, ending with Shaw's top cultural recommendations.

Lachlan Cartwright, an Australian-born journalist with a rich history in tabloid reporting, shares insights from his early career with Rupert Murdoch’s publications to leading the National Enquirer. He discusses how tabloid culture shaped his reporting style and reflects on the catch-and-kill practices surrounding Donald Trump. Lachlan also delves into the challenges of sustaining independent media outlets while running his newsletter, Breaker, known for its sharp, humorous media gossip, and speculates on the future of major news organizations.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment mergers, dives into the groundbreaking $83 billion Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. He explains how Netflix outmaneuvered Paramount in the bidding and discusses the regulatory challenges, notably with Trump's influence. Lucas explores the future of HBO content and potential integrations with Netflix, as well as the implications for the entire industry. He highlights how this deal reflects Netflix's ambitions and the bigger shifts happening in entertainment.

Paula Kerger, the longtime CEO of PBS, discusses the challenges of filling a $1 billion funding gap after major federal cuts. She highlights how crucial federal funds are for rural stations and explores initiatives like a $100M bridge fund supported by donors such as John Oliver. Kerger emphasizes the ongoing lobbying for restored funding and the importance of public media in local civic life, particularly in education and children's programming. She also touches on PBS's digital expansion to adapt to changing viewer habits.

Tony Haile, entrepreneur and former CEO of Chartbeat, dives into the shifting landscape of media amid AI's rise. He reflects on his journey from analytics to creating subscription models with Scroll and now building Filament, a tool for organized professional communities. Haile explores how AI could render traditional websites obsolete, the sustainability of niche journalism, and the future of trusted media. With concerns about the collapse of baseline reporting, he also shares his vision for fostering high-trust spaces where meaningful dialogue can thrive.

Kevin Reilly, a veteran TV executive with a storied career across networks like HBO Max and FX, now leads the AI company Cartel. He discusses his experiences championing groundbreaking shows and reflects on why the TV industry failed to adapt to streaming's rise. Reilly critiques legacy media's distractions and missed opportunities, emphasizing the importance of balancing creativity with commercial pressure. He shares insights on Cartel's unique approach to AI in managing creative workflows and addresses creatives' concerns about the future of their roles in an AI-driven landscape.