The hottest Media industry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Why is Spotify held to a different standard than Meta?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Digital Media Content Strategy Creator Economy
  1. Spotify pays a lot to music rights holders, $10 billion in a single year, helping revive the music industry. Yet, artists still criticize Spotify more than they do other platforms like Meta, which pay much less to creators.
  2. There's a big shift from traditional media to independent outlets, as many journalists are launching their own platforms instead of staying with legacy media. This trend shows a growing frustration with mainstream media's control over narratives.
  3. When platforms share revenue with creators, like Fortnite does, it encourages more content and benefits everyone. But relying on AI for content can lead to low-quality output that doesn't hold much value.

The internet is about to be reshuffled

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 673 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Content creation Advertising Streaming services Economic Trends
  1. When TikTok shuts down, a lot of users might turn to other platforms instead. This could create big opportunities for content creators who need to act quickly to capture the new audience.
  2. Many media companies struggle to see the true value of their employees. Freelance creators are finding success on platforms like Substack, showing that they can earn more outside traditional jobs.
  3. Spotify's move into audiobooks has helped it attract new listeners and grow its business. This shift is seen as one of the smartest decisions among streaming services, providing more value to subscribers.

How TikTok's For You feed made audience monetization harder

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Digital marketing Audience engagement Content creation Monetization Strategies
  1. TikTok's For You feed makes it easier for smaller creators to get noticed but harder to build a loyal audience. Creators are now focusing on platforms like podcasts and newsletters to connect better with fans.
  2. Beehiiv is trying to attract independent journalists by offering benefits like health insurance and financial support. This approach is similar to a past initiative from Substack that aimed to boost its platform's visibility.
  3. The Washington Post has seen a drop in traffic and revenue, largely due to changes in how social media platforms share political content. To grow again, they might need to explore new topics beyond just politics.
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Facebook has become a punchline

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media AI Podcasts Media industry Digital Trends
  1. Facebook is now seen as a joke, filled with low-quality content that doesn't engage users seriously.
  2. Feminist blogs that were popular in the 2010s are largely gone now, leaving a gap in discussions about women's rights.
  3. Political campaigns increasingly use social media influencers to promote candidates, often without clear rules, which can mislead voters.

When hosting the world's most popular podcast is not enough

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media industry Subscriber growth Digital Strategy Audience engagement
  1. Alex Cooper is not just about hosting a popular podcast; she wants to build a whole media empire. Her ambition shows that success goes beyond just one project.
  2. The Boston Globe has successfully increased its digital revenue by having both free and paywalled content. This approach helps attract a wider audience while also generating income.
  3. Bloomberg Media is trying to keep its subscribers happy by launching a Weekend Edition. This shows how important it is for media companies to find new ways to engage their audience and reduce churn.

Toxic friends, Temu victims and the outskirts of reality

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 758 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Personal essays Internet culture Media industry
  1. The resurgence of personal essays is evident across various platforms and mediums, adapting to the changing online landscape.
  2. There appears to be a shift towards more personal storytelling as a response to the mundane and commercial nature of traditional and social media.
  3. The rise of personal narratives and essays may be tied to the decline of traditional media, showcasing a desire for more authentic and human connection in the digital age.

Notebook: Bad News Day

Book Post • 628 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📰 News Journalism Local news Media industry AI Advertising
  1. Recent years have seen a significant decline in journalism, with many major news outlets facing layoffs and cutbacks.
  2. Local news has been especially hard-hit, with many newspapers closing down, leaving 'news deserts' in over 200 counties.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence is also impacting journalism, with AI tools changing how news is consumed and altering the media landscape.

How publishers should respond to declining Google traffic

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 1097 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Media industry Content Strategy Revenue Generation Subscription Models Digital Publishing
  1. Google traffic may not be as valuable as perceived, as it often results in low engagement and conversion rates.
  2. High-quality publishers can leverage brand recognition as a powerful tool to compete in search results dominated by AI-generated content.
  3. Building a strong personal brand in the Creator Economy can lead to burnout and lack of exit options, prompting some creators to launch companies separate from their personal brands.

Why I'm on strike

Read Max • 2502 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Entertainment industry Artificial Intelligence Media industry Labor Movement
  1. The author is on strike from their writing work due to concerns about changing compensation structures and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
  2. The strike aims to protect writers from exploitation by studios and streaming platforms, ensuring fair compensation and job stability.
  3. The Writers Guild of America is specifically addressing the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the writing profession during the negotiations.

AI-generated slop is already clogging the arteries of the web

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 823 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Tech Platforms Content creation Digital Media Media industry
  1. Many worry about AI-generated content replicating and stealing audiences, but the impact on publishers is still largely hypothetical.
  2. AI is already degrading the user experience of the web, causing harm and making content resources useless.
  3. Platforms like Amazon, Google News, and ad tech are flooded with AI-generated content, harming users and eroding trust in the information served.

It wasn’t Vice’s business model that sank it

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Media industry Advertising Venture Capital Revenue streams Startups
  1. High overhead costs and failure to control expenses can lead to the downfall of media companies, not just their business models.
  2. Diversifying revenue streams beyond advertising can be beneficial for media companies to sustain themselves.
  3. Establishing reasonable burn rates and controlling expenses are crucial for the long-term success of media companies.

Why Removed HBO Max Originals Return in Other Formats

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Streaming platforms Content Distribution Media industry Audience engagement
  1. Original content removed from streaming platforms may not be permanently erased and can often be reissued on other formats.
  2. Different types of streaming originals exist, such as acquired originals, house originals, and co-originals, each with unique relationships with the streaming platform.
  3. The removal and reissuing of streaming originals can be driven by a combination of factors including cost savings, streaming performance, and better revenue opportunities on other platforms.

Revisio-News #3: The Overpriced Hellraiser 4 Workprint

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film Media industry Horror Cinema
  1. The movie 'Hellraiser: Bloodline' had an interesting production history with multiple cuts and a leaked workprint version.
  2. Arrow Video is releasing a limited edition box set that includes one of the workprint versions of 'Bloodline'.
  3. Fans may want to wait for a standalone release of 'Bloodline' to get a better quality version without buying the box set.

Jobs and Opps at The Financial Times, Prospect Magazine, Arts Professional, and Many, Many More ☀️

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 218 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
💼 Business Job Opportunities Financials Media industry Journalism Marketing
  1. The financial data showed a turnover of nearly £92,000, breakdown of revenue sources, and major expenses.
  2. Revenue sources included grants, job ad sales, memberships, sponsorships, and affiliate sales.
  3. Major expenses included staff costs, freelance payments, services, and goods like printing.

Bob Iger is back as Disney's CEO.

Jon’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
💼 Business Corporate strategy Leadership Market Trends Media industry Investments
  1. Bob Iger has returned as CEO of Disney after the ousting of Bob Chapek. This marks a surprising shift since Iger had stepped down in early 2020.
  2. Iger's previous leadership was highly successful, with Disney's market value increasing by $200 billion during his time as CEO. He was responsible for major deals and launches, like Disney+ and acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel.
  3. The company is facing challenges, such as pressure from investors for profit and upcoming job cuts. Iger's relationship with employees and vision for the company will be crucial in navigating these issues.

Jobs and Opps at Times Higher Education, SWNS, the BBC, China Dialogue, and Many, Many More🏫

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 99 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
💼 Business Career Opportunities Media industry Journalism Events Freelancing
  1. Catharina from Journo Resources announced her departure and reflected on her time with the company.
  2. There are various job opportunities available in journalism, such as news reporters, editors, and content creators.
  3. Upcoming events and opportunities for emerging journalists, including training sessions and awards.

Obviousness on Screen

Counting Atoms • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Media industry Satire Cinema
  1. The author has a preference for films and books that are not too obvious or unsubtle.
  2. The author found 'Barbie' to be too obvious and unsubtle, making it difficult to enjoy.
  3. The author enjoyed films like 'Interstellar' and 'Inception' that are clear despite being considered difficult to follow.

Jobs and Ops at Insider, ITV, Iliffe Media, Channel 4, and Many, Many More.

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 59 implied HN points • 23 May 23
💼 Business Job Opportunities Media industry
  1. Creativity and ideas are crucial in journalism, both for job applications and freelance work.
  2. Managing stress and setting realistic expectations can help maintain creativity.
  3. Various job opportunities in journalism are available, including internships, apprenticeships, and roles in different media organizations.

The Coming Disney Breakup

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 39 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Entertainment Streaming Mergers & Acquisitions Media industry
  1. Disney is speculated to undergo a breakup with various divisions being sold or spun out.
  2. The traditional entertainment and streaming business model of Disney is facing challenges and changes due to factors like climate change, labor issues, and evolving consumer behaviors.
  3. The impact of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences is forcing businesses like Disney to adapt, evolve, and find new business models to remain relevant.

A Note From Dave

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism Public Policy Media industry Free speech
  1. Dave is pausing the Silent Lunch newsletter to focus on finishing his book and external research work.
  2. During the pause, paid subscribers will not lose any money, with payments suspended for monthly subscribers and subscriptions extended for annual subscribers.
  3. Dave assures readers that once the newsletter resumes, they can expect more content they love, including investigative pieces like those mentioned in the post.

✅ Monday briefing: Journo to comms, diversity and media, social trends, strategic value of PR, ESG clampdown, AI warning, Adidas, practitioners abused, Twitter alternatives, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media industry Social media Corporate Communications
  1. Many companies are now using push notifications, but not all alerts are truly newsworthy. The way publishers use these alerts varies a lot, from excessive to almost none.
  2. The FCA is working to prevent greenwashing by proposing new terms and rules for using 'sustainable' and 'green' in marketing. This aims to make sure companies are honest about their environmental impact.
  3. Twitter's future is uncertain after Elon Musk's takeover, leading to more abuse on the platform. Niche communities on other platforms like Discord and WhatsApp might be where discussions shift to.

Monday briefing #5: A love letter to regional media, paid Twitter, PR foul play, bot catcher, women in PR research, community support, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Social media Media industry Digital marketing Community support
  1. Local media is really important for communities because it tells the stories that matter most. Investigative reporting helps uncover important issues.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter are exploring subscription services to improve the quality of content. Paid services might help manage the issues related to misinformation.
  3. There is a growing focus on research in the PR industry, particularly regarding the experiences of women. This research could help shape a better future for the field.