Channels with Peter Kafka

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.

Peter Kafka and Lucas Shaw review the year in media, covering topics such as the impact of the strike, media consolidation, Amazon and Apple acquiring sports broadcasting rights, the decline of movie-going, Hollywood's response to TikTok, and their favorite media consumed this year.

Sam Altman, Former CEO of OpenAI, discusses his return and the power dynamics within the company. They also talk about the tension between speed and platform choice in reporting and the use of open-source content by companies like OpenAI.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has experienced a significant leadership transition. The ousted CEO has been replaced by two interim CEOs, and key figures have been hired by Microsoft. The podcast explores the controversies and speculates about the impact on OpenAI's business model and future. Additionally, the debate over the threat of AI is discussed. Overall, the podcast provides insights into the recent developments and their implications for OpenAI and the AI industry as a whole.

The podcast discusses the evolution of SiriusXM, their goal to reach a wider audience, and the appeal of exclusive content. They also address the impact of supply chain interruptions on auto sales, the rollout of new features for their streaming service, and their collaboration with OEMs to improve the NCAR experience. Additionally, the podcast touches on the speaker's struggle to finish audio essays on songs and bands, their psychological reflection on the project, and their interactions with musicians and their new book.