Channels with Peter Kafka

You want up-to-the minute election analysis? Sorry, not on this episode.But: If you want smart thoughts about politics and media and tech all merged together? We got you here, courtesy of The Atlantic’s Charlie Warzel, who came on to discuss how we should think about Elon Musk, Donald Trump supporter, being the same person as Elon Musk, guy who owns Twitter. Plus, because it’s Charlie: A useful way to think about what misinformation is, and isn’t.And! If you don’t want politics in your podcast today, we can accommodate that too, via a chat with Griffin Gaffney, the CEO/publisher of the San Francisco Standard. The Standard, owned by billionaire Mike Moritz, is a three-year-old news startup that lots of people in the Bay Area seem to love. And I wanted to know how he’s making it work, and the pros and cons of having a billionaire owner, and how he thinks the paper might actually turn a profit some day.Ideally, you’ll listen to both of these chats. But it’s a podcast! You do you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Lovett, co-founder of Crooked Media and former Obama aide, shares insights on successfully navigating the turbulent political media landscape since the 2016 election. He discusses the challenges of engaging with an increasingly divided electorate, especially amid the Trump era. Lovett reflects on the uninspiring election season, the personal impacts of a digital detox, and the humor found in political commentary. He also weighs in on Biden's debate performance and the concerns surrounding his age, adding a light-hearted touch with tales from reality TV.

Emma Tucker, the new Editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal, is shaking things up with her bold vision for modern journalism. She shares insights on increasing subscriptions through punchier stories and strategic staffing changes. Tucker also discusses her British journalism background and her recent controversial piece on President Biden. Additionally, she provides an update on reporter Evan Gershkovich, who's facing a challenging situation in Russia, underscoring the importance of journalist safety in today’s world.

Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi and former head of Vimeo, dives into the revolutionary world of free streaming. She discusses how Tubi's ad-supported model is reshaping the entertainment landscape, allowing diverse stories to flourish beyond Hollywood's norms. Sud emphasizes the importance of data-driven content creation to cater to niche audiences and underrepresented demographics. With strategic partnerships and innovative marketing approaches, Tubi aims to redefine viewer engagement and challenge traditional streaming paradigms in an ever-competitive market.

Gabriel Sherman, a Vanity Fair writer and producer of the movie 'The Apprentice', discusses the tumultuous journey of creating a film about Trump's early career and his relationship with Roy Cohn. He reveals how the movie, seen as a complex and provocative portrayal, faced significant hurdles, including investor conflicts. Meanwhile, Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg reporter, dives into the troubled state of the video game industry, outlining the effects of layoffs, stagnation, and the challenges posed by new technologies while emphasizing the need for serious journalism in gaming.

Matt Yglesias, a former Vox.com writer and current creator of the successful Substack Slow Boring, discusses the state of media and politics with refreshing insight. He shares his thoughts on navigating a policy-light election and the rising disdain for media across the political spectrum. Yglesias dives into the challenges of running a three-person business making $1.4 million yearly, examines the impact of Trump on political narratives, and reflects on the evolving landscape of independent media and subscriber retention.

Alex Heath, Deputy Editor at The Verge and face computer aficionado, discusses his experience trying Meta's Orion glasses. He dives into why Mark Zuckerberg is investing heavily in such technology and shares insights from his conversation with Zuckerberg. The challenges of consumer adoption and engineering hurdles are examined, alongside a comparison to Apple's Vision Pro. Heath also highlights Zuckerberg's rebranding efforts to distance himself from political controversies, showcasing a new direction for Meta in a scrutinized tech landscape.

Neal Mohan, the CEO of YouTube, discusses the platform's unique 55% revenue-sharing model that empowers creators, setting it apart from competitors like TikTok and Instagram. He shares insights on upcoming AI tools to enhance creative productivity and the company's strategy to navigate misinformation during elections. Mohan also explores the evolution of YouTube's Partner Program, emphasizing the challenges creators face while ensuring revenue fairness and the role of cable TV in the changing sports media landscape.

David Remnick, the legendary editor of The New Yorker, discusses his transformative journey since joining in 1998. He highlights the magazine's shift from a print focus to a multimedia leader in today’s digital landscape. Remnick shares insights on navigating the competitive media space, the importance of quality content, and the strategic pivot to a subscription model. He reveals a missed opportunity in gaming trends and reflects on the ethical challenges of inviting controversial figures to speak. His dedication to maintaining The New Yorker’s unique voice is evident throughout the conversation.

Dive into the fascinating blend of media, technology, and business. Discover insights from influential figures leading change in these spheres. The host shares reflections on storytelling dynamics and evolving content consumption. Tune in for a fresh look at the intersection of these vibrant industries.