Charlotte Henry adds together media, tech, politics and culture with the help of some fantastic guests.
theaddition.substack.com
This week on the show, I take the rather unexpected approach of encouraging you to listen to another podcast! Journalist and researcher Carl Miller joins to explain his gripping new podcast "Kill List". It is an extraordinary series, that brings together hit men, human relationships and the dark web. We also discuss issues of journalistic ethics and practice, as Carl and his team found themselves in an awful position."Kill List" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, WonderyCarl Miller's websiteCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
I joined Robb Dunwood and Sarah Lane of Daily Tech News Show for the latest 'Additional Conversations' segment. This time we discussed the rise of free, ad-supported streaming services... and how they kind of look like cable.https://youtu.be/4fB4aJ1cPGQ
US media has been in a state of turmoil, again, after two major newspapers - the Washington Post and LA Times chose not to publish presidential endorsements at the eleventh hour. At the centre of the row are accusations that the powerful owners of these institutions stopped endorsements, fearing a Donald Trump backlash should he become president once again. Media and tech writer Mathew Ingram joined the show to discuss US election coverage, including these controversies.Mathew Ingram on ThreadsMathew Ingram on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
Ever wondered where that show you really want to watch has suddenly gone? It is one of the great frustrations of our current media climate. Even worse, some movies and shows don't ever make it to screens in the first place. I still can't watch "Studio 60..." or "Sportsnight", Kelly Guimont joins to discuss the shows that have disappeared off streamers and why it happens.Warner Bros. Discovery CEO Defends Axing ‘Batgirl’: ‘We’re Not Going to Put a Movie Out Unless We Believe in It’ – VarietyApple TV+ cancels a show you've probably never heard of – Pocket-LintKelly Guimont on MastodonCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
It's the latest episode of TV+, which is now fortnightly(ish). As always, Chuck Joiner and I discuss the big issues around Apple TV+. This week, we look at Apple TV+ becoming a channel on Amazon's Prime Video platform. I'm pretty amazed this got approved in Cupertino. We also look into the immersive movies designed for the Apple Vision Pro that are being released. The one involving being trapped in a submarine is not for me...https://youtu.be/sHqzVfS9zJgAmazon to Let Prime Members Subscribe to Apple TV+ Via Prime Video - PCMagApple debuts the first scripted film captured in Apple Immersive Video and reveals new immersive films for Apple Vision ProThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss the big issues around Apple TV+. These include the potential addition of an ad tier and price rises, as well as Apple's moving-making budget and Oprah buying back a documentary.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrebTYlyr48&feature=youtu.beAds on Apple TV+: Would Apple pull an Amazon and raise prices? – TechhiveApple TV will make three classic Peanuts specials free to stream – Engadget Oprah Winfrey bought back rights to Apple documentary about her to stop its release - Page SixThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor at Press Gazette, joins the show to discuss the potential sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media. We also look into the end of the daily Evening Standard print edition.Guardian Media Group in talks to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media – Sky NewsGuardian considers sale of Observer to Tortoise after reporting £36.5m deficit for 2023/24 – Press GazetteJames Harding says plan to buy Observer is boost to ‘liberal journalism’ – Press GazetteCharlotte Tobitt at Press GazetteCharlotte Tobitt on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
It's been a busy summer in media and two major stories have broken as the season comes to an end. Ben Mullin of The New York Times is back on the show to discuss Brian Stelter's unexpected return to CNN and the ongoing sale of Paramount.Brian Stelter Returns to CNN as Chief Media AnalystSurprise! Brian Stelter is Back at CNNWho Is Edgar Bronfman Jr., Paramount’s 11th-Hour Suitor?Larry Ellison Will Control Paramount After MergerBen Mullin at New York TimesBen Mullin on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
In the second part of my conversation with Sarah Lane, we look ahead to the latest iPhone launch, scheduled for September 9. Sarah gives us the lowdown on all the rumours around Apple's latest smartphone.Listen to part one here.Daily Tech News ShowApple Vision Showsarahlane.comCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
Sarah Lane has been something of an inspiration to me since I discovered her on TWIT all those years ago. I am thrilled to have her on the show. In part one of our conversation, we discuss her career in TV, tech podcasts and the creator economy.Daily Tech News ShowApple Vision Showsarahlane.comCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
Ted Lasso is arguably the biggest hit Apple TV+ has had. It was meant to be a three-season arc, but a fourth season could now be on the cards. Co-hosts Chuck Joiner debate whether the comedy should return and discuss other shows they are enjoying on Apple TV+. They also look at some of the shows coming to the platform in the near future.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6gGhLR6IpYTed Lasso Season 4: Apple TV+ Hit Show Looks Set for a ReturnThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
In the latest episode of TV+ Talk, Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss the prospect of Apple TV+ buying movies to bulk up its catalogue. They also disagree on whether the service should just focus on TV shows and not bother much with films.https://youtu.be/3epKMtmP8qcApple Is in Talks to License More Films from Hollywood - Bloomberg NewsThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
A monthly visit to DTNS for 'Additional Conversations'. This time we discuss Olympics coverage and rebundling more broadly. Verizon has announced a Peacock/Netflix deal in time for Paris 2024.https://youtu.be/YzjQIhoMimIPeacock-Netflix Streaming Bundle Launched by Verizon Ahead of Paris Olympics – The Hollywood ReporterDisney’s new streaming plan sounds a lot like regular TV – QZStreaming’s bundling obsession ignores the real problem with subscription costs – ArsTechnicaCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeFull episode.
Ex-BBC newsroom journalist Rob Rea joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss Euro 2024 coverage. Who were the winners and losers, and who should never be allowed in a commentary box again? Given Rob's experience, they unpick the BBC's General Election coverage and how it manages so many big events in one year. This includes a look ahead at how the broadcaster will cover the Olympics in Paris in just a few days time. Christina Unkel is Euro 2024’s Breakout StarGeneral Election vs Euro 2024Rob Rea on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
In the latest episode of TV+ Talk, Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner take a deep dive into the growing catalogue available on Apple TV+. They also discuss Chuck's upcoming trip to Mackstock, and whether Apple's media offering should feature.https://youtu.be/glOtxTv6i1oThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
Journalist and author Chris Stokel-Walker joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the effect, or lack thereof, that TikTok has had during the UK General Election campaign. Interestingly, it is Reform UK leader Nigel Farage who has performed best on the short video app. The other parties have quickly had to build a presence on the platform at short notice. However, it is unlikely to make much of a difference when people go to the ballot box.TikTok launches UK General Election CentreSophia Smith Galer TweetReform to lodge complaint against TikTok after Widdecombe ‘cut off’ – TelegraphBBC News Presenter Apologizes To Nigel Farage On Air For “Inflammatory Language” Accusation – DeadlinePolitical advertising has embraced the memefication of everything, including Love Actually – New StatesmanChris Stokel-Walker on TwitterChrist Stokel -Walker on LindkeInCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeChris Stokel-Walker’s Books[Affiliate links – sales may earn commission which helps support The Addition.]YouTubers: How YouTube Shook Up TV and Created A New Generation Of Stars Amazon Bookshop.org WaterstonesTikTok Boom: The Inside Story of the World’s Favourite App Amazon Bookshop.org Waterstones
As promised, MORE podcasts from The Addition.Today's episode is the second part of my conversation with Dan Kennedy and Ellen Clegg. Once again, we discuss the importance of local news and the types of projects trying to rebuild it and tackle news deserts. Towards the end of the episode, we discussed blogging, something Dan has been doing for over 20 years. He is certainly sceptical about whether such sites can still make money.The second part of the conversation will drop tomorrow.Dan Kennedy on ThreadsMedia Nation BlogWhat Works Website and PodcastEllen Clegg on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeWhat Works in Community News: Media Startups, News Deserts, and the Future of the Fourth EstateAmazonBookshop.org
Exciting news! There are going to be MORE podcasts from The Addition. I'm going to try and post episodes most days of the week. The Wednesday one will remain a big setpiece interview or conversation, potentially split into two parts if they are longer discussions. There may be more of those in the week too. On other days, it will just be me chatting about a subject for a few minutes. I hope you enjoy them and do leave comments letting me know what you think!Today's show is part one of a conversation with Dan Kennedy and Ellen Clegg about the importance of local news and the types of projects trying to rebuild it and tackle news deserts. They have vast industry experience and have also written a book on the subject. I am, perhaps unsurprisingly, fascinated by their thoughts on media entrepreneurism.The second part of the conversation will drop tomorrow.Dan Kennedy on ThreadsMedia Nation BlogWhat Works Website and PodcastEllen Clegg on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeWhat Works in Community News: Media Startups, News Deserts, and the Future of the Fourth EstateAmazonBookshop.org
Mathew Ingram, chief digital writer at the Colombia Journalism Review, joins me to discuss the ongoing controversy at the Washington Post. Will Lewis and Rob Winnett are set to take over the top jobs at the storied paper. However, they are being asked questions about their alleged involvement in the phone hacking scandal, including by the reporters they are supposed to be managing. The conversation also covers a broader question - why so many Brits are taking over US media institutions.Incoming Post editor tied to self-described ‘thief’ who claimed role in his reporting – Washington PostWashington Post Publisher and Incoming Editor Are Said to Have Used Stolen Records in Britain – New York TimesMathew Ingram at Colombia Journalism ReviewMathew Ingram on ThreadsMathew Ingram on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
WWDC week is always a big one on the Apple calendar. It now seems to be a big one for TV+ too. The keynote address started with a sizzle reel showing all that the service has to offer.In the latest episode of TV+ talk, my co-host Chuck Joiner and I discuss how Apple TV+ played such a major role at an event that is still meant to be for developers. We also discuss Loot, and Argylle and add to our 'to watch' lists.https://youtu.be/Vuh9cDExdqwWWDC 2024 keynoteThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
This is the latest Additional Conversations segment, originally broadcast on the Daily Tech News Show on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. I joined Tom Merritt and Sarah Lane to discuss Netflix and how streamers are mimicking traditional TV networks.We also discussed how much people actually use AI and sales trends for electric vehicles. Full episode and detailed show notes here.https://youtu.be/de7LJh_ccoUCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
Last week was Upfronts week when advertisers hear the pitches from various media execs. It's a hugely important moment in the media industry calendar and helps give a sense of where things are going. Times are changing though. The tech companies are playing a much bigger role. We saw Google run its Brandcast event once again, with CEO Neal Mohan declaring that creators should be eligible for Emmys. Sports rights are becoming evermore critical too. They are a rare scarce resource in the media landscape. Marc Stenberg from AdWeek joins to discuss it all.Netflix ad-supported tier has 40 million monthly users, nearly double previous count – NBC NewsYouTube Boss Says Creators Should be Eligible For Emmy AwardsMark Stenberg at AdweekMark Stenberg on LinkedInMark Stenberg on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
We haven't covered AI on the show for a while... so time to return to what has been one of the key topics of 2024! Journalist and author Chris Stokel Walker joins the show to assess where we are with AI. We discuss whether tech firms are delivering what they promised, the interest from regulators and what effect AI will have on journalism (and other industries).Chris Stokel-Walker on TwitterChrist Stokel -Walker on LindkeIn Charlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeChris Stokel-Walker’s Books[Affiliate links - sales may earn commission which helps support The Addition.]YouTubers: How YouTube Shook Up TV and Created A New Generation Of Stars Amazon Bookshop.org WaterstonesTikTok Boom: The Inside Story of the World's Favourite App Amazon Bookshop.org Waterstones
Co-hosts Chuck Joiner and Charlotte Henry discuss data that suggest Apple TV+ is not all that popular. Is it contributing to peak streaming? And who is happy to chop and change streaming services each month?Streaming Fatigue: is It the Beginning of the End for on-demand Streaming? – CableTV.comAmericans’ New TV Habit: Subscribe. Watch. Cancel. Repeat. – New York TmesThe Addition on YouTubeCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on TikTokThe Addition on YouTubeThe Addition blogMacVoicesChuck Joiner on TwitterMacVoices on TwitterChuck Joiner on Mastodon
This week Ben Mullin of the New York Times joins the show to discuss a row engulfing NPR after a long-serving editor hit out at the organisation in an excoriating essay.Uri Berliner had worked at NPR for 25 years. Then he released an essay for The Free Press and went on its podcast, raising a number of concerns about the direction of the organisation he clearly cares for. He expressed fears about a lack of ideological diversity and coverage of some key stories. The fallout was swift and significant and Berliner has since left the organisation. We try to unpack everything that has happened and explain the importance of NPR.I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust. Ben Mullin at New York TimesBen Mullin on TwitterCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
It's the latest episode of TV+ Talk and that means we've been chatting Apple TV+ for a year! This month, my co-host Chuck Joiner and I chat about everything that has happened over that time. Of course, we had to pick out our favourite movies and series from the last year or so. Watch to find out what mine are! We also discuss what we are watching and much more.https://youtu.be/Aprhasunkho
The Addition Podcast is back! This week, guest Kelly Guimont joins host Charlotte Henry. They discuss Jon Stewart's revelations about Apple, tech companies becoming media companies, the most streamed shows and more.Jon Stewart claims Apple wouldn't let him interview FTC chair on his podcast – AxiosThese Are The Most Popular TV Shows of the Streaming Era - BloombergThe Danger of Tech Firms Becoming Media CompaniesKelly Guimont on MastodonCharlotte Henry on TwitterCharlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry on InstagramCharlotte Henry TikTokThe Addition on YouTube
It's a busy TV+ Talk this month as Chuck Joiner and I return to discuss all things Apple TV+. We look at where Apple TV+ sits in the current streaming landscape and discuss Lionel Messi's impact on the service and its sports coverage. Being the time of year it is, we touch on how award season is going for Apple as well.Of course, we couldn’t ignore the Apple Vision Pro. There is a debate about whether we actually want to watch movies with a computer strapped to our faces. For more on that, listen to the episode I did with Jeff Gamet on the topic. Plus, there are a couple of new shows I’m looking forward to. Apple Vision Pro - Yes or No? The Addition on YouTube Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on TikTok The Addition on YouTube The Addition blog MacVoices Chuck Joiner on Twitter MacVoices on Twitter* Chuck Joiner on Mastodon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
The media has had a rocky start to 2024. Very rocky. Amongst other things, there has been a constant stream of redundancy news from some of the biggest legacy players and The Messenger shut down. However, not everything is bad. Not only are there are journalists continuing to do great work, there are huge opportunities for people to create new kinds of media.Claire Atkinson, a contributing editor to The Ankler who writes The Media Mix newsletter and is penning a book on Rupert Murdoch, joins the show to discuss it all. Hopefully, we can at least lift some of the gloom! L.A. Times to lay off at least 115 people in the newsroom - LA Times The Messenger Never Stood a Chance Grammys Bring in 16.9 Million Viewers in 2024, Up 34% From Last Year - Variety Claire Atkinson’s newsletter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on Instagram Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube The Addition blogICYMI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Every month, I join Tom Merritt, Sarah Lane and the DTNS crew to discuss all things tech and media. It is always a great conversation. This month, we chatted about Netflix - its deal with WWE and its apparent move away from “prestige TV”. I thought I’d share the audio in this feed. You can also watch the segment on The Addition YouTube channel. Full Episode Daily Tech News Show on Twitter Daily Tech News Show on Patreon Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on Instagram Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube* The Addition blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Apple tried to upstage the goings-on at CES by announcing more details about its AR headset the Apple Vision Pro. The $3499 device will shortly be arriving with customers who pre-ordered it. Apple has largely promoted it as a collaboration and productivity device, as well as highlighting how it might be used for fitness. However, on this show, we’re interested in how it might be used to consume media.Jeff Gamet returns to discuss whether or not someone is ever going to put on a Vision Pro and settle down to a movie. Are we going to end up like the characters in Wall-E? We also decide that AR/VR headsets are not acceptable on aeroplanes. * Apple previews new entertainment experiences launching with Apple Vision Pro The British Tech Network ‘The Context Machine’ podcast Jeff Gamet on Mastodon Jeff Gamet on Instagram Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on Instagram Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube The Addition blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
The social web is fracturing and subscription fatigue is real. Could this allow blogging to make its return in 2024? Maybe! Robb Dunewood of DTNS and The Tech Jawn has been making blogs and podcasts for decades. He returns to the show to discuss the potential revival. One thing is for sure, owning your content is importantWhatever kind of content you make, monetising matters too. Affiliate links are a hugely useful, but sometimes disparaged, revenue generator. We discuss their importance and how to be an effective affiliate. * Rubb Dunewood’s website Robb Dunewood on Threads Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube The Addition blogListen wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
AI dominated the discourse for much of 2023 and it looks like it is going to be the same in 2024. I’m wary of making The Addition another AI-dominated publication. However, the story really matters. Furthermore, not all publications are prepared to sit back while the bots scrape their work to train Large Langauge Models (LLMs). For free. Indeed, the New York Times is engaged in a legal battle with OpenAI and Microsoft after what it alleges is a mass breach of copyright. There is much that is fascinating about this case. For me, it stood out how vital the New York Times’ work seems to be to ChatGPT. It is also worth noting how keen publishers are to take this on early, instead of being caught short as they have been with other tech developments.Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor of Press Gazette, has done some great reporting on this ongoing legal battle. She joins the show to discuss it all. Why New York Times lawsuit seeks destruction of OpenAI and Microsoft LLMs - Press Gazette OpenAI says ‘high-value partnership’ was on cards with New York Times before lawsuit - Press Gazette Charlotte Tobitt at Press Gazette Charlotte Tobitt on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Few people are in any doubt that 2024 is going to be another tumultuous year for the media industry - for good and bad. There is certainly going to be a lot to discuss on this show! To start the year, ‘The Addition Podcast’ looks ahead with Adweek’s Mark Stenberg, who shares his predictions for the 12 months to come.The way AI develops is going to be fascinating to watch. It is also going to be really interesting to compare how companies look at the start of this year and the end of it. We are likely to see a lot of M&A activity across the industry. To start the show, we also briefly reflect on the departure of Richard Beckman from The Messenger and what it means for that publication going forward. * Richard Beckman note 2023 Predictions - Another Pivot to Video? Media Predictions For 2024 Mark Stenberg on Twitter Mark Stenberg at Adweek Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Merry Christmas! Things are winding down for the year, and I hope you’ve enjoyed what I’ve been doing at The Addition. I love having you as a listener! But keeping this up is hard work. The only real way this newsletter and podcast can continue in 2024 is if readers take out paid subscriptions. It would mean a lot if you did so. Think of it as a Christmas present for both of us - you get access to all the newsletters and the full archive, I get a new paid sub! Thank you so much for all your support.Well… it has been quite a year in media. We’ve had sackings and hirings, startups and sales. AI has dominated much of the conversation. Oh, and some stuff happened with Twitter. For this final podcast of 2023, I am joined by Peter Houston of Media Voices to analyse it all and look ahead to 2024. We also discuss the consequences of his frankly bizarre decision to start a print publication earlier this year!I think the conclusion we came to in the conversation is that there are undoubtedly real problems and big issues to be tackled in the industry, but the next 12 months will offer some real opportunities too. I look forward to chatting through them all with some great guests from January! Media Moments 2023 SPECIAL EPISODE: A Crossover With Media Voices Media Voices Magazine Diaries Grub Street Journal Starting a Print Magazine... in 2023?! Peter Houston on Twitter Peter House on LinkedIn Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition blog The Addition on YouTubeICYMI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
The BBC is always under huge scrutiny. That will only increase over the next 12 months as it has to navigate coverage of both the UK and US elections. There are also issues surrounding local coverage and flagship shows like “Newsnight”, both of which are being reduced in various ways. Adam Sherwin, who reports on arts and media for the i, joined the show to discuss all the controversies plaguing Aunty. The BBC is in many ways a great institution, but there can be little doubt that it gets itself in a tangle too, often unnecessarily so. We’ve seen that in its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war, for instance. Its news coverage becomes a lightning rod for so much else and the corporation can spend too much time talking about itself. It is hard to see how we’d be better off with it gone, though. Our conversations tries to unpack all these contradictions. The British Media Has Disgraced Itself Over Israel It Doesn't Matter Whether or Not You Watch Newsnight Huw Edwards set to leave BBC News after internal inquiry, insiders say - i Adam Sherwin on Twitter Adam Sherwin at the i Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition blog* The Addition on YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
It’s a two-podcast week - the final “TV+ Talk+” 2023 is here. It's a special show this month as Chuck Joiner and I assess the year that has been in Apple TV+. This includes a final review of "The Morning Show" (spoiler alert) and discussions about "The Buccaneers" and "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters". “The Morning Show” was quite chaotic, with a lot of storylines going on all at once. They wrapped it up pretty well though (mostly). There were some excellent individual performances in the show too - we didn’t even mention Billy Crudup!My personal favourites on Apple TV+ this year have been “Shrinking” and “Slow Horses”. (“Mythic Quest” might also sneak in, but technically only one episode of the show was released in 2023!)We also have a rundown of what there is to look forward to in the next couple of months. I’m looking forward to thriller “Criminal Record”, starring Peter Capaldi. There is a lot slated already and it looks like 2024 is going to be a big year for Apple TV+. The Addition on YouTube Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on TikTok The Addition on YouTube The Addition blog MacVoices Chuck Joiner on Twitter MacVoices on Twitter Chuck Joiner on Mastodon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
This week’s show is a bit different. I joined Chris Sutcliffe and Esther Thorpe from the Media Voices team for a special crossover episode. We discussed the state of broadcast media - both how things stand as 2023 comes to an end and what might be next. It is all on the back of me having had the pleasure of writing the broadcast chapter of their soon-to-be-released “Media Moments 2023” report.There is, of course, a bit on the BBC. We mostly focus though on changing viewing habits and the importance of broadcasters owning unique, original content. This obviously includes live sport but hit shows really matter as well. We take a look at the state of the ad market too.Register to receive the “Media Moments 2023” report. Media Voices Esther Kezia Thorpe on Twitter Chris Sutcliffe on Twitter Media Voices on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube The Addition blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
The world of tech is rarely quiet, but it has been particularly frantic over the last few weeks. Firstly, we had Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrove resign over comments relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The major conference in Lisbon did go ahead successfully, but some of the world’s companies had already pulled out by then. After that, we had the Sam Altman/OpenAI drama, in which the story seemed to change by the hour. Things seem to have stabilised… for now… and Altman is back as CEO. Journalist and author James Ball returns to the show to discuss it all. We also further ponder the consequences of AI for journalism and the wider world. Web Summit fights back after wave of cancellations, CEO exit - Politico OpenAI set out to show a different kind of tech giant was possible. It might prove the opposite. - Techtris James Ball on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTubeBuy “The Other Pandemic” by James Ball[Affiliate links - buying may earn a commission that helps support The Addition] Amazon Bookshop.org* Waterstones This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
After all the OpenAI chaos in recent days, it seemed valuable to return to a conversation about AI from earlier this year with Adweek’s senior media reporter Mark Stenberg. Of course, we don’t discuss the Sam Altman brouhaha - because it hadn’t happened! However, much of what we touch on has only become more pertinent.It is clear that AI tools are going to seriously disrupt journalism. We’ve already seen some publications try to get Large Language Models (LLMs) to create content. It did not end well. But we are only at the start. There are also concerns about what the AI revolution will mean for journalism jobs, especially the more junior ones. We also talked about some fairly significant AI-related changes from Google. Publishers are not very happy about them. How Publishers Are Preparing for Google's AI-Enhanced Search - Adweek Mark Stenberg on LinkedIn Mark Stenberg on Twitter Mark Stenberg at Adweek Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok* The Addition on YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
It has been seven very trying few months in Hollywood, with first the writers, and then the actors, going on strike. Thankfully, unions representing both groups have now struck agreements with the studios and everyone is back at work. Sean McNulty, author of The Wakeup at The Ankler, joins the show to explain how the difficult deals were done and where we go from here.Even though the strikes are over, the ripple effects will continue. There is a cascading effect on release dates and the economy has taken a hit. However, it can only be a good thing for everyone in the industry that these issues are settled. For now. Sean McNulty on LinkedIn The Ankler The Wakeup Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok* The Addition on YouTubeThanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring the show this week. With HelloFresh, you get farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and seasonal recipes delivered right to your doorstep. Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!And they are giving listeners to “The Addition Podcast” FREE breakfast for life! Go to HelloFresh.com/additionfree and use code additionfree and get one breakfast item per box while your subscription is active. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Life as a foreign correspondent can seem daring, dangerous and… fun. Often, it is! You get to travel the world and meet fascinating people, but there are also huge risks that come with the job, especially if you are a freelancer reporting on war zones. We are seeing those issues in real-time right now with the imprisonment of Evan Gershkovich and the deaths of journalists covering conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.Lynne O'Donnell has reported from places like China and Afghanistan for decades, covering some of the biggest moments in recent history. On this week’s episode, she discusses those experiences and sheds some light on the reality of working in a war zone. Lynne O’Donnell on Substack Lynne O’Donnell at Foreign Policy Lynne O'Donnell on Twitter Lynne O’Donnell on Threads Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube Charlotte Henry on InstagramHave You Read?TikTok is Changing Comedy - Stand-ups are shooting to fame on the short-video app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
On his company’s latest earnings call, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said that Threads had almost 100 million monthly users. It’s no mean feat, given that the app has only launched in July. It clearly launched unfinished, but has consistently added new features. However, the app doesn’t totally replicate the good bits of Twitter (hello, tweeting through a football match).Jeff Gamet of “The Context Machine” podcast returns to the show to discuss the current state of the battle between Threads and Twitter. Can the power of Meta help the newcomer get success, or is X Twitter just too established? It is also worth asking - do we even want Threads to look like Twitter, pre or post-Elon Musk? Maybe it’s time we make something new. We also look at how other Twitter rivals, namely BlueSky and Mastodon, are holding up. Zuckerberg says Threads has almost 100 million monthly users The British Tech Network ‘The Context Machine’ podcast Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTube* Charlotte Henry on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
This month, Chuck Joiner and I discuss the news that Ridley Scott has decided Apple TV+ viewers need a four-hour director’s cut of his movie “Napoleon”. Are we worthy of such genius? Talking of overly long films, “Killers of the Flower Moon” has made it to cinemas. We look at the numbers. (Spoiler alert: Taylor Swift did better.)Recently, there has been a bust-up between Jon Stewart and Apple TV+, reportedly over topics he was not allowed to cover on his “The Problem” show. So much so, in fact, that the host is leaving the streamer. Does Apple have the right to dictate the journalism that appears on its streaming service? I think, at least to some extent, that it does. However, it is a fine line to tread and a fascinating moment in the development of Apple TV+.Quick note: we recorded this episode before the price rises were announced. We will have thoughts next time. Ridley Scott has chopped down his Napoleon director’s cut, but it's still over 4 hours - Total Film APPLE's Magical $200M 'Killers' Math: The Breakdown - The Wakeup Jon Stewart’s ‘The Problem’ Not Moving Forward at Apple Amid Creative Differences - The Hollywood Reporter The Addition on YouTube Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry on TikTok MacVoices Chuck Joiner on Twitter MacVoices on Twitter* Chuck Joiner on Mastodon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Disney is celebrating its centenary. The company was founded by brothers Roy and Walt on 16 October 1923. Legal wrangling and decades of creativity and innovation followed. The conglomerate we see today is nothing like what the brothers could have envisioned. It consists not just of animated films, but of theme parks, merchandise and the world’s leading sports broadcasting brand too. There is also the small matter of Star Wars and the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Things are not entirely straightforward though, as eventually the company will have to find someone to properly succeed Bog Iger as CEO. There was also the recent spat with Spectrum.Kelly Guimont returns to the show to discuss it all, including Disney’s links with Apple. Crucially, we reveal our favourite Disney movies of all time. Mine is the only valid answer. Disney and Spectrum Deal Restores ESPN, ABC for Millions of Viewers Kelly Guimont on Mastodon “MacVoices Live” Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok* The Addition on YouTubeListen wherever you get your podcasts.ICYMI: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
“Community” has become a somewhat overused, and sometimes misused, word in recent times. However, when done right, it can become a really important element in engaging existing readers/listeners with a publication, as well as helping to attract new ones. It is not straightforward though. Picking the right platform really matters and it takes a lot of hard work to make these spaces self-sustaining.Media Voices recently launched its online community - an online message board where listeners and readers can talk about key topics relating to the media. Esther Thorpe from the publication joins the show to explain why and how they did it. She said the team are already starting to see it leading to new newsletter subscribers. There is also a link to the real-life events they do - The Publisher Podcaster Awards (where I was a judge) and The Publisher Newsletter Awards (where I won Best Solo Newsletter!) Media Voices Media Voices community Publisher Podcast Awards Publisher Podcast Summit Esther Thorpe on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok* The Addition on YouTubeListen wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring the show this week. With HelloFresh, you get farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and seasonal recipes delivered right to your doorstep. Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!Go to HelloFresh.com/50addition and use code 50addition for 50% off plus free shipping! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
I love blogging. It is how I got into digital media and journalism. (There’s a reason The Addition has a blog.) Blogging used to be quite a big deal back in the day! There are still people producing what we would recognise as conventional blogs, and platforms like Substack are helping people write in their own voice and connect with an audience via an easy publishing mechanism. Robb Dunewood was a blogger back in the early days and built profitable sites. He is doing more podcasting now but thinks many of the same principles and routes to monetisation apply. Indeed, he thinks it is still possible to build a successful business by publishing written content on the web. He joins the show to discuss his blogging story and what is happening currently with the medium. It’s back to the future for a diminished digital news business - Semafor The Tech Jawn Robb Dunewood on Twitter Robb Dunewood on Threads Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTubeListen wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
The end of September is rapidly approaching, but writers and actors in the US remain on strike. Neither group has managed to come to a new agreement with the studios and streamers… and now it is getting really messy. At the time of recording, there had been no official talks between the various parties for weeks. (The writers and studios are set to meet the day this episode comes out - September 20.) Sean McNulty of The Ankler returns to the show to explain why there has been such an impasse and how it is now starting to impact release schedules, not to mention promo for big-name movies. He also gives a timeline on how and when the strikes might, finally, come to an end. Sean McNulty on LinkedIn The Ankler The Wakeup Strikegeist Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry TikTok The Addition on YouTubeListen wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaddition.substack.com
Mason Greenwood was one of the most exciting young talents in English football, having broken into both the Manchester United and England first teams. Then, in January 2022, disturbing audio and images appeared online and the forward was arrested on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He has always denied all the charges against him. In February this year, all the charges against Greenwood were dropped following a key witness withdrawing their cooperation from the investigation. This led the Crown Prosecution Service to conclude that there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
Now Manchester United had a decision to make about a young, talented player still under contract to them. As the latest Premier League season got closer, they made plans to bring him back and Adam Crafton of The Athletic revealed it all. After his stories were published, there was widespread public outcry and ultimately a U-turn from the football club.
Crafton joins the show to explain how to report on such a sensitive story and the importance of investigative reporting in sport more broadly. It gives a fantastic insight into the process of journalism.
N.B. I incorrectly said in the episode that Ched Evans was convicted of sexual assault. He went to prison for rape. He was found not guilty in a retrial in 2016.
Mason Greenwood and Manchester United: How club reacted and what happens next - The Athletic
Even rapist footballer Ched Evans deserves a second chance - The Spectator
Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood return plan included list of ‘hostile’ figures - The Athletic
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Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring the show this week. With HelloFresh, you get farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and seasonal recipes delivered right to your doorstep. Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!
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The days in which (most) digital publishing companies think that the way to success is making content available for free are long gone. Subscriptions are becoming crucial to publishers of all sizes, from all over the world. From the New York Times to…well, this newsletter, publishers are looking at ways to get consumers to pay directly for content.
Bron Maher, senior reporter at Press Gazette, has done in-depth reporting on various types of subscriptions, most notably the NYT bundle. He joined the show to discuss how the industry is changing, what is working, and what isn’t. There are certainly a lot of discounts on offer at the moment, but what happens when those cut-price periods end? We also discuss Mark Thompson, the man who helped build the NYT’s paywall business and is now about to take over CNN.
Subscription Fatigue is Real
Bundled: Inside The New York Times’ revenue growth strategy - Press Gazette
Telegraph Media Group hits one million subscriptions - Press Gazette
Mark Thompson named CNN chief executive and chairman at critical juncture in news network’s history - CNN
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It is clear that AI tools are going to seriously disrupt journalism. We’ve already seen some publications try and get Large Language Models (LLMs) to create content. It did not end well. But we are only at the start.
There are also concerns about what the AI revolution will mean for journalism jobs, especially the more junior ones. Adweek’s senior media reporter Mark Stenberg returns to the show to discuss it all.
We also talk about some fairly significant AI-related changes that Google is preparing to roll out. Soon, you may not even have to click on a link to get an answer to your query, as it will consolidate content from around the web into one small card. Publishers are, not surprisingly, very unhappy about this and some are trying to find ways to fight back.
How Publishers Are Preparing for Google's AI-Enhanced Search - Adweek
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You might just have noticed that there have been rather a lot of changes at Twitter recently. So much so, that it isn’t even called Twitter any more. (No, I’m not calling it X.) In various outbursts, owner Elon Musk has threatened to remove the block feature and change how headlines are shown on the platform. He has also limited how the DM feature works for unverified (i.e. free) users. Tweetdeck is now a paid product too.
Journalist and author Chris Stokel-Walker returns to the show to discuss how these changes have impacted both the creation and consumption of journalism. Ultimately, we discuss whether or not Twitter remains a useful place for journalists and what the alternatives are.
Elon Musk removing block feature on X (formerly Twitter) - Sky News
Elon Musk tweet on Twitter's block feature
Elon Musk blocks actor James Woods after weekend Twitter spat - Independent
Elon Musk's X plans to remove headlines from links to news articles - Reuters
The Big List of Elon Musk’s Hyperbole, Evasions, and Outright Lies - Rolling Stone
Elon Musk’s Shadow Rule - New Yorker
The Media vs QAnon and Donald Trump - The Addition
Elon Musk tweet urging journalists to publish on Twitter
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This week, I’m rerunning the conversation I had last year with Rolling Sone UK news editor Nick Reilly.
Rolling Stone is one of the iconic media brands, covering the crossover of music, culture and politics in a unique way. A couple of years ago it was announced that there was going to be a UK sister to the US-based publication. The small team behind it was, at the time of originally recording this episode, preparing its sixth print edition and also producing a regular stream of online stories.
Reilly was in the team that launched the UK magazine. We discussed the launch, creating a distinctive UK voice for Rolling Stone, and collaborating with colleagues across the Atlantic. I found the details of how they decide what works for a UK audience while making sure to leverage the power that comes with the Rolling Stone brand particularly interesting. The work done during the Glastonbury, including interviews with artists performing at the festival, is a good example of this.
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The content creator space is constantly evolving, but how on Earth does it work? How do you even start? Is there a difference between a creator and an influencer? There are so many different elements to it all and more and more platforms to create for and try and build an audience on.
Shannon Morse, a top YouTube content creator, joined me last year to discuss how she began making videos for YouTube and how to stay (somewhat) sane as you build your own brand. She also answered the crucial question - how do you actually make money as a content creator?
Understanding The Rise Of The Creator Economy - Forbes
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Threat Wire from Hak5
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RTÉ is Ireland’s national broadcaster, its equivalent of the BBC (albeit with a domestic commercial element). Presenter Ryan Tubridy is its biggest star and one of the country’s most beloved public figures. Or he was. Recently, he has been engulfed by a scandal over his pay, a huge chunk of which was initially not revealed to the public.
Following the first wave of revelations, there were parliamentary hearings that saw even more juicy details come out, including information on some rather nice, and expensive, corporate trips. And lots of flip-flops. Alongside all this, there have been cuts at the broadcaster and staff morale is low. Adrian Weckler of the Irish Independent joins the show to explain what has gone on and why it has captured the attention of the whole country.
Ireland's national broadcaster RTE is facing a crisis - and this is why - Sky News
New RTÉ boss says pay scandal involving top TV presenter ‘shameful’ - Guardian
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QAnon started out as bored teenagers having fun online… and ended up with a riot at the US Capitol. There may be more to come. We now have politicians, including former and potentially future president Donald Trump, who openly promote the conspiracies that have emerged on the 4chan message boards. It is dangerous and the virus is spreading, including to the UK. How on Earth did we get here?
James Ball is a journalist and author whose latest book covers the story right from the beginning. He joins the show to explain what exactly QAnon is, why it matters going into another US election cycle, and what the mainstream media can do to help fight the conspiracy theories.
Bodybuilding forum row
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Newsletters have become one of the hottest topics in media in recent times, with publishers and individuals building huge readerships with them. That’s why the Media Voices team launched the Publisher Newsletter Awards to go alongside the already successful Publisher Podcast Awards. This year’s debut event was great, with some of the biggest publishers proudly showing off their newsletter products. Did I mention I won?!
One of the Media Voices co-founders, Chris Sutcliffe, returned to the show to discuss all things newsletters. Why are they now so important to publishers? Where will they go next? We also chat about the various ways podcasts and newsletters overlap and whether newsletters will prompt a renaissance in blogging.
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Podcasting has come a long in a relatively short space of time. Things have contracted somewhat in more recent times, but generally, the industry is a positive place. Few people know more about it than Bryan Barletta of Sounds Profitable, an organisation advocating for, and producing research on, the podcast industry. He joined this week’s show to explain how podcast advertising really works and what the thinks the future of the medium is.
One key point that came out of the conversation was the impact of Spotify. The company may have had to roll back on commissioning original content and stop waving big cheques around. However, both in its adtech acquisitions and its original content production it advanced the podcasting industry as a whole significantly in just a couple of years.
Podcasting Positivity
Unifying Programmatic Buying - Sounds Profitable
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Sounds Profitable
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Thanks to Factor for sponsoring this episode. Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/addition50 and use code addition50 to get 50% off your first box.
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It is fair to say that Elon Musk’s time owning Twitter has been… eventful. The latest developments have seen view limits imposed. Yes, Twitter wants you to see fewer tweets. The limits are set higher for this who pay for Twitter Blue but still exist. Perhaps we should all be grateful that Elon is helping us to spend less time scrolling, but it all rather feels like he is trolling his users.
Jeff Gamet returns to the podcast to discuss these latest developments, which surely must reduce the amount of adverts users see at a time when rebuilding trust with advertisers is crucial. We also wonder how new CEO Linda Yaccarino feels about it all. (Since recording, she has shown public support for the view limits.) We also unpack Apple’s decision to make the first episode of “Silo” available for free on Twitter.
Elon Musk Announcing View Limits
Stop Pretending You're Going to Quit Twitter Because Elon Musk is Buying it
What on Earth is Going on With Twitter?
“Silo” on Twitter
The British Tech Network
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‘The Context Machine’ podcast
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In Case You Missed It
Meta Doesn't Need the News, With Adrian Weckler - New laws mean news is leaving Facebook and Instagram.
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In the latest episode of “TV+ Talk” we discuss in depth Apple’s approach to live sport and that of its rivals. We also explore the non-live sporting content that Apple has, such as the “Super League” documentary. It is clearly trying to challenge things like Amazon Prime Video’s popular “Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing”.
Away from sport, there was also a look at the Academy’s new rules for the Oscar’s ‘Best Picture’ category. These will make it much clearer what films Apple and other streamers think have a chance at winning the converted statue.
“Super League - The War for Football”
“Real Madrid - Until the End”
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Facebook has always had a somewhat changeable relationship with the news media. There have been times when the two have engaged and valued each other, and times when things have been rather more tense. The reality, though, is that parent company Meta basically makes no meaningful money from having news content on its various platforms. That’s why, in the face of a new Canadian law demanding it pays news outlets when links are posted, it has removed news content from Facebook and Instagram in the country. This follows similar legislation being introduced in Australia.
Google is also affected by the laws. Similarly, it does not really doesn’t make money off of the news. However, it has adopted a different approach and seems to want to co-exist with the media more than Meta does.
Adrian Weckler, the tech editor of the Irish Independent, joins to discuss the implications these moves have on outlets around the world. They might ultimately wish that their content was back on two of the world’s biggest platforms. Furthermore, is it only the big publications that benefit from such laws? We also discuss the broader situation that the traditional media finds itself in and the contrast between British/Irish news coverage and that from the US. Spoiler alert - there are some things we do not want to import.
Meta to cut off access to news media on Facebook and Instagram in Canada following law that requires payment to media firms when users post links - Irish Independent
Meta will stop paying US publishers to put their content in Facebook’s News tab - The Verge
Meta Hit With Record Fine by EU
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It has been another chaotic and fascinating six months in the world of streaming. We’ve seen Netflix accelerate its battle against password sharers, but not much take-up of its ad tier. Some services, such as Disney+, are even starting to remove content, something previously unthinkable. Furthermore, consumers feeling the financial squeeze are having to make decisions as to which services they want to keep paying for. Indeed, younger viewers in particular are happy to cancel subscriptions and then return when there is something they specifically want to watch.
With so much to discuss, it was great to welcome back Tom Merritt from Cordkillers and DTNS. We dived into all the topics above, as well as issues like Netflix getting into live sports (maybe) and whether the distribution of sports rights to streamers actually helps fans.
Netflix Finally Taking a Swing at Live Sport
Cordkillers
Daily Tech News Show
“A Word with Tom Merritt”
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Prince Harry headed into The Rolls Building of the High Court in the UK the other week in an almost unprecedented step. He was there to be cross-examined, alleging the newspapers owned by the Mirror Group had hacked his phone over the period of some years. His appearance was part of a wider case featuring several different celebrities, but the Duke of Sussex attracted the most attention. The newspaper group denies all the charges against it.
Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor at The New Statesman magazine, has written about Prince Harry’s clashes with the media and followed the trial closely. She joins the show to discuss what it all might mean for the media’s relationship with royals and celebrities, as well as what it tells us about UK tabloid culture.
Have a little sympathy for Prince Harry’s hacking claims - The Bew Statesman
A royal rumble: Prince Harry’s clash in court left him lost for words – but not defeated - Guardian
Rachel Cunliffe at the The New Statesman
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For over a month, screenwriters in America have been on strike after talks between their union, the WGA, and the studios broke down. Amongst other things, the writers have concerns over the rise of so-called mini-rooms, being locked into smaller series, declining residuals and the potential impact of AI. None of this is straightforward to fix - it requires a dramatic change to the current working model. At the same time, the directors union has reached a deal and will not strike, but actors still might.
The Ankler has been covering all these developments closely. Sean McNulty, the writer of its morning newsletter The Wakeup, returns to the show to discuss everything that has happened and how the strike might come to an end.
Sean McNulty on LinkedIn
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It’s been a somewhat tumultuous time in the world of Web3 recently (isn’t it always?). Lauren Ingram, the founder of Women of Web3, joins the show to explain what is really going on and how things can get better and more inclusive. The Women of Web 3 podcast is set to return with its second season in the coming days.
AI might be grabbing all the attention recently, but it is really important to have a jargon-busting conversation about Web3 too. Is there any hope for the technology that so many got so excited about, or was it just a fad? If it is here to stay, how do we get more women involved so that there is some diversity feeding into the technology’s development?
Women of Web3
Women of Web3 Podcast
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It’s that time of the month - Chuck Joiner and I reconvene to discuss Apple TV+. On this episode of “TV+ Talk” we finish off our chat about “Shrinking” before analysing the recently released “Silo.” We finish off by looking at the… mixed… reactions to “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which has finally premiered at Cannes. However, most of us are going to have to wait a little bit longer to see it.
“Shrinking”
“Silo”
The ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Trailer is Finally Here - The Addition
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B2b publishing is a big, but all too often overlooked, segment of the media. It might not be as sexy as the big-name, consumer-facing brands, but it really matters. The Audiencers is a new b2b publication aimed at those within the media industry that run all manner of publications. It is run by Poool, the membership and subscription technology suite. On this week’s show, Editor-in-Chief Madeleine White joined to discuss the still-new website.
As well as outlining what The Audiencers does, the conversation covers what publishers get right and wrong when it comes to user retention and paywall strategy. There is also a discussion about small, but overlooked, success stories and we advocate for a more collaborative approach in publishing.
The Audiencers
Mather Economics report on paywalls
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We want transparency and honesty from our politicians. We want our media to hold the powerful to account. One of the best ways to do the latter is via long-form interviews. This week’s guest, Rob Burley, has been involved in producing many of them over the last 30 years but is worried that too many broadcasters, particularly the BBC, are abandoning the format. He gives a powerful insight into his work and doesn’t pull any punches when discussing his former employer, Piers Morgan and much else.
In his new book, “Why Is This Lying B*d Lying to Me?”, Burley advocates for the long-form interview, whilst also giving an insight into the funny and sometimes bizarre situations that arise when working in political television.
Jeremy Paxman vs Michael Howard
The Trump TV Tangle
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Maybe it was always this way, but things feel particularly chaotic in the media industry right now. From sales to shutdowns to Twitter changes, a lot is in a state of flux. Mark Stenberg from Adweek returns to the show this week to discuss the state of things. Never underestimate the power of niche!
In particular, we look into what is going on in terms of M&A. There were a huge number of deals done during the pandemic years. Companies were eager to expand. Now, with money more expensive and customers having alternative things to do with their time, some are looking to change their approach and even unwind elements of their portfolios. What does it all mean? Often, it’s layoffs…
Publishers Pare Down Their Portfolios Following Pandemic M&A - Adweek
Mark Stenberg on Twitter
Mark Stenberg at Adweek
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
Charlotte Henry TikTok
The Addition on YouTube
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You may have noticed that the media world has undergone some seismic changes over recent years. And Ben Smith has been there for them all - from reporting for New York tabloids to turning Buzzfeed into a major news brand and having a column for the New York Times. He now runs Semafor, a globally focused news publication he founded with ex-Bloomberg News exec Justin Smith. It is a typically ambitious project.
Smith also has a book out, “Traffic”, explaining what he has seen and learnt over the course of his career to date. On the podcast, he outlined setting up the BuzzFeed newsroom, where he thinks the media is going next and, yes, thatdossier. (I asked him about the dress too, obviously.) We started by discussing the recent major media news - the departures of Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon from Fox News and CNN respectively.
The conversation is a fascinating insight from someone who has been at the heart of so many of the most exciting, and difficult, changes in media.
Cable News Chaos as Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon Out [updated]
After All That, I Would Still Publish the Dossier - The Atlantic
“Traffic” via Amazon UK (£ affiliate link, supports The Addition)and Amazon US
“Traffic” via Bookshop.org (£ affiliate link, supports The Addition)
Semafor
Ben Smith on Twitter
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Chuck Joiner and Charlotte Henry are back with the second episode of “TV+ Talk” - the YouTube series and podcast in which, each month, we discuss the key issues around Apple’s streaming service. This time around we looked at the comedy series “Shrinking”and the movie “Tetris”. Chuck had a bit of a surprise for Charlotte too!
“Shrinking”
“Tetris”
The Addition on YouTube
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on TikTok
MacVoices
Chuck Joiner on Twitter
MacVoices on Twitter
Chuck Joiner on Mastodon
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Things are never quiet in Hollywood. Luckily, The Ankler exists to explain it all. Founded on the back of Richard Rushfield’s own newsletter, it has grown to become an example of a great Substack business.
And there is a lot going on in Tinseltown right now. The drive to get people back into cinemas post-pandemic continues, with more and more “in theatres only” releases happening. There have also been changes on the TV side as streamers try and make sure they are getting as much out of their audience as possible. This includes a merged streaming service, movie cancellations and the removal of content by Warner Brothers Discovery.
Oh, and US writers and studios can’t agree on a new deal, leading the industry hurtling towards a strike which could stop the flow of new TV episodes. Sean McNulty, who writes The Wakeup newsletter for The Ankler, joins the podcast to discuss it all.
Sean McNulty on LinkedIn
The Ankler
The Wakeup
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
Charlotte Henry TikTok
The Addition on YouTube
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There is so much content across all the different streaming platforms right now it is almost overwhelming. So The Addition is here to help! Jeff Gamet returns to the podcast to discuss what he is watching now, what I am watching now and what is on our “to watch” lists. There is plenty to recommend for your viewing pleasure, whether serious series, comedy specials, 30-minute sitcoms or movies.
HBO/Sky seems to be where the biggest hits are. The quality on Netflix seems to fluctuate. And there is a whole debate as to whether Paramount+ and Disney+ are actually worth having. Knowing the streaming industry, that will flip soon enough.
Marc Randolph post on LinkedIn
The British Tech Network
Jeff Gamet on YouTube
‘The Context Machine’ podcast
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
Charlotte Henry TikTok
The Addition on YouTube
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This week’s episode is a bit meta. It’s two Substackers discussing Substack! Without a doubt, the platform has had a transformative effect on the media landscape. It has both coaxed major columnists away from their highly-paid gigs and helped mere startups (like this one) get off the ground. Over the last year, the company has consistently been launching new products, but what comes next?
Substack recently announced a funding round that allowed writers to buy into the platform they publish on. Doing so probably also indicates VC money isn’t flowing towards the firm as it once did. There is also a spat with Elon Musk and Twitter, which is suppressing links to Substack newsletters. With all this going on, Brian Morrissey, who runs The Rebooting, comes to discuss the past, present and future of Substack.
Substack’s CEO on ads, bundling and what’s next - The Rebooting podcast
The Rebooting
“People vs Algorithms”
Brian Morrisey on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
Charlotte Henry TikTok
The Addition on YouTube
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The BBC is always under scrutiny, but lately, it is having a particularly tough time. In recent weeks, it has faced difficult questions about its chairman Richard Sharp, transitioned to a combined news channel for both the UK and the rest of the world, and been tangled up in a major impartiality row thanks to Gary Lineker. All the while, significant numbers of layoffs are happening, with years of experience walking out of Broadcasting House.
Jamie Angus knows the BBC better than most. He edited two of its flagship radio programmes - “Today” and “The World at One.” He also has experience of both the management and global aspects of the corporation, having risen to become the director of the World Service Group. Now COO of Arabic radio station Al Arabiya, he joins the podcast this week to give invaluable insight into what is going on at the BBC.
Gary Lineker is Not the Story [Updated]
Gary Lineker Row: BBC Backtracks After Wasting Weekend of Sports Coverage
Joanna Gosling Confirms BBC Exit Amidst Newsroom Unrest
BBC Newsroom Anger as Lead Presenters For New Channel Confirmed
EXCLUSIVE: The Email Detailing How The BBC is Starting to Merge News Channels
Al Arabiya
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
The Addition on YouTube
Charlotte Henry on TikTok
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It has been a tumultuous time for TikTok. The UK government joined the ranks of those banning the short-form video app on (most) official devices, with the BBC also urging staff to delete it. Then CEO Shou Zi Chew appeared in front of Congress. Wall Street was not that impressed by his performance, but creators were, as he calmly handled increasingly daft questions from US lawmakers. It’s fair to say that creators are starting to get worried about a general ban and are making their voices heard on the platform and elsewhere.
But why are these bans being discussed at all? And what happens next? There is only one person to ask. Chris Stokel-Walker literally wrote the book on TikTok. We unpick Shou Zi Chew’s congressional appearance, talk about the sudden move to take action and whether or not a general ban is likely.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before Congres - CSpan
TikTok banned on UK government devices as part of wider app review
BBC advises staff to delete TikTok from work phones
Will TikTok Really be Banned? - The Addition
Chris Stokel-Walker’s website
Chris Stokel-Walker’s books
Chris Stokel-Walker on Twitter
The Addition blog
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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ICYMI
Do We Still Believe in "Ted Lasso"?
Introducing TV+ Talk
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The idea for “TV+ Talk” came about after I joined “MacVoices” to discuss Apple’s streaming service with Chuck Joiner. We had a lot of fun, so we decided to do it more regularly! The aim is to publish an episode about once a month, depending on our schedules. There is a lot happening on Apple TV+ so there should be plenty to talk about. Of course, if there is a show or movie on the service that you either love or hate and you want us to discuss it, make sure you leave a comment in the appropriate places! It would be great to hear from you.
In the opening episode of “TV+ Talk”, we discuss where we think Apple TV+ is at and Apple’s position in the media ecosystem. We also reveal our favourite shows and, of course, discuss episodes one and two of “Ted Lasso” season three.
The Addition on YouTube
Ted Lasso Season Three Review - The Addition blog
Do We Still Believe in "Ted Lasso"? - “The Addition Podcast”
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
MacVoices
Chuck Joiner on Twitter
MacVoices on Twitter
Chuck Joiner on Mastodon
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You may just have noticed that a new season of “Ted Lasso” has begun on Apple TV+, but is the series still delivering as it once was? Kelly Guimont joins the podcast to discuss the opening episode and what we might expect to come next. There are spoilers for season three, episode one so watch that and then come back and join us!
Given that this is likely to be the last season of “Ted Lasso”, and even though we assume there will be specials and spin-offs, Apple TV+ may also have some issues filling the gap left by its biggest hit so far.
This is also the 50th episode of the podcast. A huge thank you to all the fabulous guests who have appeared and an even bigger thank you to all of you who have listened. Here’s to the next 50!
Exclusive: Bill Lawrence on the Success of ‘Ted Lasso’ on Apple TV+ - The MacObserver
Ted Lasso Season Three Review - The Addition blog
Kelly Guimont on Mastodon
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
The Addition on YouTube
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Shannon Morse has been making online video for… a long time. Long before we called doing such work being a “creator”, in fact. She joins the show to discuss the current state of the creator economy. How has vertical video changed the game? Can creators actually make money from it? On TikTok in particular, the benefits may go beyond earning some extra income, but it is noticeable that those who started out on that platform seem to be adding longer-form videos and podcasts to their portfolio.
The conversation about the crossover between creators and journalists also continues on this week’s episode. The two sides can learn from each other, but will they?
Journalist, Creator or Both?
Shannon Morse on Twitter
Shannon Morse on YouTube
Shannon Morse on TikTok
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
The Addition on YouTube
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It is International Women’s Day and to mark the occasion Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor of Press Gazette, joins the show to reflect on five decades of Cosmopolitan and discuss the future of women’s media. We explore whether glossy magazines can survive the challenge posed to them by influencers and creators. Cosmo is certainly doing some very interesting and pioneering digital innovation.
Some women’s magazines have had to reduce their print output whilst building their digital offerings. Others have stopped print altogether. Sadly, a few brands have disappeared entirely. It is clear though, that women still have loyalty to many of these outlets and value what they produce.
How Cosmopolitan UK moved beyond print with 17m monthly website readers - Press Gazette
Financial Times’ Head of Newsletters Sarah Ebner on the varied role of newsletters - Media Voices
Charlotte Tobitt at Press Gazette
Charlotte Tobitt on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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There has been a huge amount of news, both good and bad, coming out of the media industry in recent months. Sometimes it is worth taking a breath and looking at where we currently are. There are not many betters guests I could have to do this than Graham Ruddick. He has covered business and media for a number of major publications such as The Times, Telegraph and Guardian, and now runs the Off to Lunch business newsletter and its sister podcast, “Business Studies”.
Indeed, we start the show by chatting about Graham’s career so far and what it was like to make the leap into becoming an independent writer. We also unpick the rounds of layoffs currently sweeping the media industry and discuss what the growth of AI tools might mean for the future.
Off to Lunch
Graham Ruddick on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Local news is the subject of much agonising within the media industry. This traditional route into journalism, learning the craft at local outlets, is increasingly closed to young hacks on both sides of the Atlantic. Numerous publications are being run down or have closed. Yet they are so important to many communities who want to be informed about what is going on around them.
The team at 6AM City seem to have found a model that works. They send out daily, localised emails to 25 different markets at, you guessed it, 6 AM local time every day. It’s all about what is going on in the area, but there is no crime and punishment coverage and very little politics. Certainly nothing partisan. How, though, can you do local news when you don’t touch those traditionally important areas? 6AM City clearly are providing audiences with the information they want, but is the network of newsletters helping fill the void in news deserts? COO and co-founder Ryan Heafy joins to explain how it all works and shares some exciting plans for future expansion.
6AM City
6AM City on Twitter
Ryan Heafy on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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If you think this year is going to be big for streaming and the entertainment industry, you ain’t seen nothing yet. That’s argument put forward by this week’s guest, Tom Merritt. He explains, convincingly, that a variety of deal deadlines mean that some big decisions will have be made early next year and this could see meaningful change and consolidation in streaming.
There’s the question of what Disney is gong to with its Hulu stake, what other companies might be interested in Hulu, and what will happen to many of the smaller streaming services. The tech companies like Apple and Amazon will care about being the platform, the hub where you watch things, whilst using their original content to draw subscribers in. We discuss it all on this week’s show.
We also couldn’t let this week go by without chatting about Super Bowl LVII. The half time show in particular, and Rihanna’s performance at the Apple Music Half Time Show to be precise. What does Apple’s sponsorship tell us about its interest in sports and media?
2024 Will Change Streaming TV Forever - Tom Merrit
Watch Rihanna’s Full Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Half Time Show - The Addition blog
https://www.tommerritt.com/
Cordkillers
Daily Tech News Show
“A Word with Tom Merritt”
Tom Merritt on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Many of us take watching the latest hit Netflix series for granted. But how do you enjoy such content if you’re blind? Steven Scott from “Double Tap” joins the show to discuss the various accessibility features that services make available to help with this. He also highlights their varying quality. First, the show goes back to basics. What accessibility features for blind people are already available on our phones and other devices?
Sidenote: I appeared on “Double Tap” on Monday discussing the ongoing saga that is the UK’s Online Safety Bill.
Discussing the television and movies we watch is a crucial part of our culture. We do it at work and with our friends and family. If blind and visually impaired people are locked out of watching the thing everyone is talking about, they are excluded from those water cooler moments. Thankfully, the tools available to those with disabilities continue to improve. However, there is still some way to go.
36 Seconds That Changed Everything: How the iPhone Learned to Talk
“Double Tap”
“Double Tap” on Twitter
Steven Scott on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Big-name glossy magazines still attract plenty of attention, even if newsstand numbers are dwindling. The truth is, many people engage with a magazine brand despite rarely/never picking up a print copy. As I’ve said before, I personally really enjoy settling down with a print magazine one after a day staring at a screen.
The world of magazines goes beyond the mega-brands though. There are a plethora of beautifully produced independent titles that focus on all manner of subjects and serve dedicated readerships. However, it is a tough business and many are fighting to survive.
Peter Houston and his partner Joanna are taking their love for the indie magazine world one step further and launching their own title - Grub Street Journal. It will be aimed at “people who make magazines”. Peter joins the show this week to explain why on Earth they are starting a print publication in 2023.
Media Voices
Magazine Diaries
Grub Street Journal
Peter Houston on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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A new year is always a good time for a reset. It is all too easy for any individual or industry as a whole to keep doing the same old thing. That is no different for publishing, with its ongoing combination of opportunities and struggles.
What, then, should publishers be looking to change in 2023? Journalist, lecturer and trainer Adam Tinworth has thoughts. Some of them are going to be controversial. He joins host Charlotte Henry to, amongst other things, urge SEO practitioners to give up their keyword spreadsheets, journalists to get off Twitter and everyone to be a bit more sceptical about TikTok. In an atmosphere of layoffs and economic uncertainty, can we move away from some of the things we’ve held onto for so long?
Four Things Publishers Should Give up in 2023 - One Man And His Blog
Journalists! Get Off Twitter! - The Addition Podcast
What on Earth is Going on With Twitter? - The Addition Podcast
Adam Tinworth on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Since its public launch a few weeks ago, ChatGPT has captured the imagination of many in the media. And scared plenty of others. What does an AI tool that can quickly write paragraphs of (mostly accurate) text mean for journalists, ad copywriters and others? Like the image-generating tool Dall-E, there is no doubt that it will eventually have a major effect, but is it time to freak out? We are seeing some publications already use AI tools to produce formulaic stories, but it mostly seems that for now, at least, humans are going still going to have to be part of the process.
The direction of travel is one way though, so AI in journalism is an important topic to explore. It is only going to become more relevant as time goes on. More advanced tools are already being developed.
Host Charlotte Henry is joined by tech journalist Tom Merritt to discuss the effects AI will have across journalism and media. Simple tasks could be automated and this could allow for better, more investigative, journalism. However, there are risks and downsides too. How will we know what images are real? Can an AI really tell a story, not just regurgitate facts? The risk of manipulation and falsehood is very real.
ChatGPT
Dalle-E
https://www.tommerritt.com/
Daily Tech News Show
“A Word with Tom Merritt”
Tom Merritt on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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One story sucked all the air out of the tech and media space in the final quarter of last year - Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter. Well, more accurately, it was multiple stories and a variety of incidents that all led back to the same person and the same company.
There was a lot to unpack - from the battle for Musk to actually buy the company to his erratic and hypocritical behaviour after the deal was complete. The aftereffects have gone beyond the social media platform too, with shares in Musk’s ‘other’ company, Tesla, taking a significant hit. We still do not know who the permanent CEO of Twitter will be or what comes next for users.
Previous show: 2023 Predictions - Apple's Media Ecosystem
This week, host Charlotte Henry is joined by journalists and author Chris Stokel-Walker to discuss and dissect everything that has gone on at Twitter during the last few months. They also look at the growing level of scrutiny being directed at TikTok. The US is particularly nervous about the short video app’s connections to the Chinese authorities and the EU may take a closer look at the company too.
Chris Stokel-Walker’s website
Chris Stokel-Walker’s books
Chris Stokel-Walker on Twitter
The Addition blog
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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To wrap up the “2023 Predictions” mini-series, and indeed “The Addition Podcast” for this year, host Charlotte Henry is joined by Kelly Guimont. They look at what Apple will do with its media offerings next year. If you missed the previous episodes in this mini-series, you can still listen to the conversations with Brian Morrisey from The Rebooting and Mark Stenberg from Adweek.
A large part of this week’s conversation, inevitably, focuses on Apple TV+. While we do not have real numbers on how many people are actually subscribed to the streaming service, let alone paying for it, TV+ does have a steady flow of high-quality content. It is also the current holder of the “Best Picture” winner at the Oscars, thanks to “CODA”. With a host of renewed popular shows set to return, including “Ted Lasso”, and films featuring major stars on the way, it seems like there will be plenty to enjoy on the platform over the next 12 months. Another thing we are almost certain to see is Apple’s ongoing push into live sports coverage, something that should also help boost subscriber numbers.
Apple News and the related subscription service, News+, are really good products. However, Apple hardly talks about them. It seems unlikely there will be a major overhaul in the next year, but we can hope! Don’t expect an overhaul of Apple Music either.
Thank you all so much for listening and supporting “The Addition Podcast” since its launch earlier this year. See you in 2023!
How Ted Lasso Changed The Game for Apple TV+
Apple TV+ Takes a Swing at Live Sport - “The Addition Podcast”
Apple Ups Its Sports Game - “The Addition Podcast”
Major League Soccer announces 2023 season schedule - Apple
I Want My MCU TV
Kelly Guimont on Mastodon
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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This week, host Charlotte Henry is joined by Mark Stenberg, senior media reporter at AdWeek. We discussed a variety of issues, including why publishers will pivot to video (again), the risk of traffic from Google dwindling, the importance of newsletters and events to connect with your audience, and whether independent publishers can survive and even thrive in a recession.
Newsletters are finally growing up: how publisher email strategies evolved in 2022 - Mark Stenberg on “Media Voices”
Mark Stenberg on Twitter
Mark Stenberg at Adweek
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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To start off a new mini-series predicting the world of media in 2023, host Charlotte Henry is joined by Brian Morrissey, who has seen various peaks and troughs during his career. Amongst other things, he edited Digiday and now runs The Rebooting on Substack. He has a deep understanding of the difficulties that media outlets can face during an economic downturn and the opportunities available to those able to grab them. Brian thinks there will be a “rebundling”, as individual brands come together to keep their audience. He is also very interested in how AI might affect journalism. Is ChatGPT really going to replace real-life journalists?!
The Rebooting
“People vs Algorithms”
Brian Morrisey on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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If you follow Apple news, and you listen to podcasts… put this in your ears. The Mac Observer’s Daily Observations Podcast - online at macobserver.com, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Rachel Cunliffe, Senior Associate Editor at the News Statesman, joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the work of modernising a magazine that has been around for over 100 years, the art of picking the right medium to tell a story and why print still matters.
New Statesman reaches highest circulation for 40 years as expansion continues - New Statesman
“The Magic of Magazines” with Peter Houston - The Addition
Rachel Cunliffe at the New Statesman
Rachel Cunliffe on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor at the Irish Independent, joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the issues facing Twitter in Europe and what it could mean for the company as a whole. Is Elon Musk taking this as seriously as he should?
Elon Muskdate From Dublin, Spotify's Joe Rogan Experience
Stop Pretending You're Going to Quit Twitter Because Elon Musk is Buying it
A Revolut mortgage? CEO reveals 'super-app' plans to offer '100pc digital' mortgages - Irish Independent
Kanye West posts ‘Shalom’ after Elon Musk lifts Twitter ban - Telegraph
Piers Morgan interview with Andrew Tate - TalkTV
Twitter boss Elon Musk keeps conspiracy theorist Alex Jones off platform - BBC News
Cristiano Ronaldo, Piers Morgan, and the Murdoch Media Machine
Adrian Weckler on Twitter
Adrian Weckler at the Irish Independent
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Zoe Kleinman joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss being the BBC’s first-ever Tech Editor, the changing nature of tech news and what comes next for some of the biggest firms in the sector. She also reveals what she looks for in a story.
Twitter users jump to Mastodon - but what is it? - BBC
The case for replacing Twitter with Substack - Mike Elgan on Substack
Zoe Kleinman on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Simon Owens wrote a fascinating Substack newsletter about Twitter's failure in the creator economy and he joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the issues, what changes could be made to improve things for creators on Twitter, and whether Elon Musk’s plans for the company will deal with any of this. [The discussion with Catherine Perloff was about Netflix advertising.]
Twitter has never understood the Creator Economy - Simons Owens
Simon Owens on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Esther Kezia Thorpe of Media Voices joined host Charlotte Henry to discuss the growth of newsletters, what’s next for them as a channel, and whether people are already receiving too many. They also discuss the launch of The Publisher Newsletter Awards and why now is the time to recognise innovation and excellence in the space.
Media Voices adds to its awards lineup with a programme recognising excellence in publisher newsletters - Media Voices
Newsletters are finally growing up: how publisher email strategies evolved in 2022 - Media Voices podcast
The rebirth of magazines - The Rebooting from Brian Morrissey
Esther Kezia Thorpe on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
The Addition blog
The Addition newsletter
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Catherine Perloff, platforms reporter at AdWeek, joined host Charlotte Henry to discuss how marketers and media buyers are reacting to the ability to the prospect of advertising on Netflix, how the streamer is handling the technology to make it happen, and when we might know if it is actually working for everybody involved.
Netflix Starting From £4.99 a Month -Press Release
Netflix's Ad Tier Is Coming Soon—and Media Buyers Have Many Questions - Adweek
In Connected TV, Brand Safety Is Still a Goal, Not the Norm - AdWeek
A Technical Netflixcession - The Addition podcast
Catherin Perloff on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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I'll be honest - this is not the show I planned to put out this week. But those plans have been rather overtaken by events. No, not the chaos in the British government, but the chaos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). More specifically, the season finale of “She-Hulk -Attorney at Law”, which was something of a mic-drop.
WARNING - if you have not watched that show or that episode and don't want to know what happens DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST (yet). Get yourself some snacks, watch the show, and then please come back. There is no possible way to discuss what happened properly and avoid spoilers.
Joining host Charlotte Henry on this week’s episode is Kelly Guimont. She co-hosts the “I want my M(CU) TV” podcast and appears on a variety of other shows too.
Sunday Review: "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law"
‘She-Hulk’ Star Tatiana Maslany Talks the Finale’s Big Swing and Waiting for the ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Call - The Hollywood Reporter
I want my M(CU) TV
Kelly Guimont on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
The Addition blog
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Peter Houston is a co-presenter of the Media Voices podcast and involved in the fantastic projects that team works on. He also writes the brilliant The Magazine Diaries Substack - a weekly newsletter full of publishing ideas worth stealing. He joined host Charlotte Henry to discuss some of the exciting things happening in the magazine industry, everywhere from small startups to major publishers.
Media Voices
'Cheer the fk up': Ex-DC Thomson CEO Ellis Watson on 'phenomenally exciting time' for media - Press Gazzette
Magazine Diaries
Peter Houston on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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There’s been lots of news about Apple’s media operations in recent weeks. Much of it concerns sports coverage.
We’ve had a standoff with the New York Yankees over who would commentate on last Friday’s matchup with the Red Sox at which it was thought/hoped that Aaron Judge would hit his historic 61st and 62nd home runs of the season. YES Network, owned by the Yankees, wanted their commentators to be there if Judge equalled and/or beat the longstanding record held by Roger Maris. Apple owned the rights to the game and was not prepared to give them up as it looks to make its mark in sports media.
Then it emerged that Apple Music is going to be the new sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show, in a multi-year deal. The first show is going to be in February 2023 and feature Rihanna. It’s a huge moment and it will work very nicely indeed if Apple gets the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket too…
Elsewhere, Ted Lasso is dominating the world. Or at least FIFA 23 which is out on Friday. Oprah, however, is leaving the Apple TV+ family. We may still get output from her on the platform, but her overall deal has come to an end and a new one has not been struck.
Discussing all this with host Charlotte Henry is podcaster Kelly Guimont.
Lights, iPhone 14, Action
Hands-on With The iPhone 14 Pro
Apple TV+ Takes a Swing at Live Sport
MLB won’t move Yankees’ Apple TV+ game over Aaron Judge home run chase - New York Post
Yankees floating Michael Kay in trade push for Apple’s historic Aaron Judge game - New York Post
NFL introduces the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show - NFL
Rihanna to headline Super Bowl half-time show - BBC News
How Ted Lasso Changed The Game for Apple TV+
I Want My MCU TV
The Slice
Kelly Guimont on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Apple announced a range of devices at its ‘Far Out’ event on 7 September, most notably the iPhone 14 range. Nica Montford of the “SnobOS” podcast emptied her bank balance and got an iPhone 14 Pro, an Apple Watch Series 8 and some new AirPods Pro. She joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss just how good those new cameras are and how these new devices can help content creators of all kinds. (Customers have to wait just a little bit longer to check out the second generation AirPods Pro and their new physical controls.)
Lights, iPhone 14, Action - with Brian Chaffin
https://www.snoboscast.com
Nica Montford on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Former Editor-in-Chief of The Mac Observer Bryan Chaffin joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the iPhone 14 event. What does the latest batch of iPhones mean for media creation and consumption? In particular, they discuss how the constant improvements in smartphone cameras means they have almost entirely overtaken entry-level DSLRs.
There was certainly a lot packed into Apple’s “Far Out” show. As is always the case at the company’s events at this time of year, the latest iPhone took centre stage. The most notable thing there was the introduction of the iPhone 14 Plus - it has all the same features as the standard iPhone along with a larger 6.7” display. The implications for media consumption are obvious. The increased screen size in the iPhone 14 Plus makes it a much more tempting device on which to read or watch content. The new Touch Controls on the AirPods Pro is a nice feature too.
The Power of Podcasts in 2022 - The Addition podcast with Dave Hamilton
Apple Event — September 7
Apple debuts iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple introduces iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
Apple announces the next generation of AirPods Pro
Apple reveals Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE
Introducing Apple Watch Ultra
https://geektells.com/
Bryan Chaffin on Twitter on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Lauren Ingram, the founder of Women of Web3, discusses all things blockchain, crypto and metaverse with host Charlotte Henry. She explains what on Earth Web3 actually is, why female voices matter as it is developed, and what the impact on the media industry could be.
Women of Web3
Muse's Will Of The People becomes first UK number one album with NFT technology - Sky News
The Power of Podcasts in 2022 - The Addition podcast with Dave Hamilton
Web3 is going just great
Lauren Ingram on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Podcast Movement is a major meeting point for people involved in podcasting, on both the creator and business sides. Dave Hamilton works across all aspects of podcasting and has been a regular attendee at the conference for many years. He speaks to host Charlotte Henry about what it was like to be back altogether at the most recent event and what Podcasting 2.0 is.
They also discuss the growth potential of Google Podcasts, the success of Overcast and work out just how many years of YouTube are watched in a single day. Indeed, one of the key takeaways from Podcast Movement 2022 is how seriously the Google-owned video platform is starting to take podcasting.
While much is changing in the world of podcasting, one thing is for certain - there is a lot to be excited about.
Podcast movement day one roundup
Mac Geek Gab
https://podcastindex.org/
“A Word With Tom Merrit” Podcast - Brian Ibbott
davehamilton.com
Dave Hamilton on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Recently I was asked to be part of the ‘Experiment Week’ that the DTNS crew were running. I enjoyed the conversation I had with Chis Stokel-Walker so much I wanted to bring it to you here at The Addition too.
In this special episode of The Addition podcast, originally made for DTNS ‘Experiment Week’ journalist and author Chris Stokel-Walker joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the TikTok and YouTube - subjects he has literally written the books on. They look at the power these platforms now hold and what might be next for them, including growing scrutiny of TikTok’s connections to the Chinese government.
Original DTNS ‘Experiment Week’ Show
Chris Stokel-Walker’s website
Chris Stokel-Walker on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Around the world, people are feeling the financial pinch, and things might be about to get tougher. While much of the discussion is rightly focused on the impact of a recession on personal and household finances, the media industry is also having to work out how to navigate these choppy waters. Again.
Brian Morrisey of The Rebooting has seen many downturns and pivots during his journalism career. He joins host Charlotte Henry to help put in context what is going on now. They also look at how media businesses of all sizes can not just survive but thrive. In a difficult climate, there are opportunities to be creative, essential or both. That’s what creators and publishers need to focus on. Furthermore, the bundle is more likely to appeal to consumers once again as we all consider what services we really need and how much we are willing to pay for them.
The Rebooting
Brian Morrisey on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Mark Stenberg, senior media reporter at AdWeek, joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss some breaking news - the sale of Axios for $525 million. Founded by some of those behind Politico, the rise of Axios is a modern media success story and, perhaps, a further endorsement of the newsletter-driven publication (woohoo!).
Also in this episode, what does the delay to the end of third-party cookies mean for publishers? After yet another change to Google’s timetable, many have just decided to continue with their plans for a cookieless future, focussing on first-party data and technology builds. One such example, reported on by Mark, is Reach, the publisher behind the Mirror and local titles such as the Manchester Evening News. It has partnered with data platform company LiveRamp to better monetize its logged-in users.
Axios agrees to sell to Cox Enterprises for $525 million - Axios
Google Pushes Third-Party Cookie Demise to 2024 - AdWeek
UK Publisher Reach Plc. Partners With LiveRamp to Adopt Its ATS Technology - Adweek
Medialyte - Mark Stenberg’s newsletter
Mark Stenberg on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Facebook is getting out of news. Again. And this time they are not just on a break.
The relationship between Facebook and the news has always been a rather fraught one. In this episode of the podcast, long-time journalist, blogger, lecturer and consultant Adam Tinworth discusses with host Charlotte Henry how it took publishers a while to realise they were the junior partner and how they became too reliant on “the big blue site”.
This is not the first time Facebook has stepped away from news - it has always been wary of the implications of being considered a publisher. (Although that didn’t stop many publications from pivoting to try and meet what they thought its algorithms wanted. ) However, given Mark Zuckerberg and his rebranded company Meta are now seemingly focused on Web3 and the metaverse, this breakup looks to be permanent.
Facebook’s long, slow breakup with journalism is underway - One Man And His Blog
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
Adam Tinworth on Twitter
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Netflix has lost subscribers for two quarters in a row. Its Q2 results revealed a loss of one million subscribers (it had expected to lose two million). This has clearly shaken the streaming giant and it is looking to make changes. These include the introduction of a cheaper ad-supported tier - something it has long rejected but is now expected to implement next year. There has been a backlash by some against the move.
There is nothing wrong with adverts. Far from it. Indeed, along with wonderful paid subscribers, they make this podcast and newsletter possible. Both are greatly appreciated. However, even if it didn’t say so explicitly, Netflix always indicated to users that subscriptions meant you didn’t need to watch adverts and that this provided a better experience. As more services have entered the market, many at more competitive price points, the company has found its position under threat.
Has Netflix, and streaming in general, finally hit its peak, or is this just a reasonable recalibration from a company that has led in its field for years? Tom Merritt joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss what the results might mean as well as Tom’s new show “A Word with Tom Merritt” and the value of in-depth conversations.
Netflix Releases Second-Quarter 2022 Financial Results
https://www.tommerritt.com/
Daily Tech News Show
“A Word with Tom Merritt”
Tom Merrit on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Rolling Stone is one of the iconic media brands, covering the crossover of music, culture and politics in a unique way. Just over a year ago, it was announced that there was going to be a UK sister to the US-based publication. The small team behind it was, at the time of recording, preparing its sixth print edition, whilst also producing a regular stream of online stories.
One of those in the team that launched the UK magazine is News Editor Nick Reilly. He joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss that launch, creating a UK voice for Rolling Stone, and collaborating with colleagues across the Atlantic. The details of how they decide what works for a UK audience whilst making sure to leverage the power that comes with the Rolling Stone brand are particularly interesting. The work done during Glastonbury, including interviews with artists performing at the festival, is a good example of this.
Rolling Stone UK
Nick Reilly on Twitter
Nick Reilly on Instagram
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Chuck Joiner of MacVoices and host Charlotte Henry continue to reflect on NAB show, with a particular focus on fan-made content and how production companies are looking to build communities around different shows.
This is the second part of a two-part conversation with Chuck. The first part, released last week, is still available. Please do share it with those you think might be interested.
NAB Show
Recode Media with Bill Simmon
The Addition Podcast with Esther Kezia Thorpe
MacVoices
MacVoices on YouTube
Chuck Joiner on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Like all live events, Covid meant that NAB Show has not been possible in person for a couple of years. However, the annual gathering hosted by US organisation the National Association of Broadcasters was back in Las Vegas in April 2022. Chuck Joiner of MacVoices was there, talking to vendors and other attendees.
In this discussion with host Charlotte Henry, he details what he saw on the show floor and what this indicates for the broadcasting industry, including how they are responding to the needs of content creators.
This is the first part of a two-part conversation. The second part will be released as next week’s episode. Please subscribe so you don’t miss it and share this with those you think might be interested.
NAB Show
MacVoices
MacVoices on YouTube
Chuck Joiner on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
[Photo via NAB Show]
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Talk TV is still there, with expensive sets and well-paid talent. The problem is, nobody is watching. Despite having the vast resources of News UK at its disposal, the channel has not been able to maintain an audience after a decent opening night. A mix of British viewing culture and some practical problems have left the station, at least on linear TV, in the doldrums. Is this also part of a wider disengagement with news content?
Jasper Jackson joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss what has gone wrong, whether this was inevitable, and if anything can be done to redeem the situation.
Talk of The Town: New Channel Beats News Rivals
Talk TV's Troubles
People Are Turning Off The News
Jasper Jackson on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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There was an awful lot to unpack from WWDC 2022. One thing missing was any reference to Apple TV+, the TV box and app, or tvOS. We did get some further insight into Apple’s interest in sport, though. (This episode was recorded just before Apple announced its decade-long MLS deal - thanks guys!)
Hot off the plane from California, the Irish Independent’s Tech Editor Adrian Weckler explains what it was like to be back at Apple Park, the value of in-person events, his takeaways from the announcements, and why it looks like Craig Federighi is being groomed to be the next Apple CEO. Adrian questions Charlotte’s theory that Apple is interested in taking on The Athletic directly. Furthermore, there is a discussion about Apple’s new deal with Nike to produce sports-related content. Is two of the world’s most powerful brands teaming up actually a good thing for consumers?
Apple Making More Moves Into Live Sports
Charlotte discusses WWDC on ‘Magic Rays of Light’
Apple Original Films & Nike Team For Multi Year First Look On Sports Films; Brad Weston’s Makeready & Nike’s Waffle Iron To Produce - Deadline
Adrian Weckler on Twitter
Adrian Weckler at the Irish Independent
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The team behind the ‘Media Voices’ podcast came up with the idea of The Publisher Podcast Awards to celebrate excellence in the world of podcasting back in 2019. The first ceremony was held on 4th March 2020…
Podcasts became a huge part of peoples’ lives during the pandemic and the awards continued (online) in order to celebrate the work publishers were doing. Happily, people could be together again this year and the awards offered a hybrid ceremony. Those recognised in 2022 included both some of the world’s biggest publishers and independent creators. Going through the shortlist is a great way to find the next podcast you need to download and become obsessed with (after The Addition podcast…of course!).
Esther Kezia Thorpe of ‘Media Voices’ joined host Charlotte Henry to discuss the changes the podcasting industry has undergone in recent years, including its professionalisation, and why we still have not reached “the golden age of podcasting” yet. There remains plenty of new listeners to reach and, with publishers putting more and more resources into podcasts, there is a lot for both listeners and producers to look forward to. Esther also explains how the team behind the awards are offering classes and courses to those who want to improve their own shows.
Journalists! Get Off Twitter! (With Chris Sutcliffe)
Media Voices
The Publisher Podcast Awards 2022 Shortlist
Esther Kezia Thorpe on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Jeff Gamet joins host Charlotte Henry to look ahead to WWDC 2022. What will Apple reveal at its developer conference? What will it mean for its role in the digital media ecosystem?
Jeff Gamet on Twitter
Jeff Gamet on YouTube
‘The Context Machine’ podcast
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Vogue capitalised on The Met Gala to drive traffic, subscriptions and sign-ups across multiple platforms. Adweek’s Mark Stenberg joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the strategy and how it might play out across Condé Nast.
How Vogue’s Met Gala Coverage Generated 100,000 Newsletter Sign-Ups - Adweek
Medialyte
Mark Stenberg on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Shannon Morse, a top YouTube content creator, joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss how she started out and how to stay (somewhat) sane as you build your own brand. Also, how do you actually make money as a content creator?
Shannon Morse on YouTube
Threat Wire from Hak5
Shannon Morse on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Kelly Guimont joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss the end of the iPod and to recall their experiences with the iconic device. They also debate Apple’s audio app offering. Does it need a single space for music, podcasts, and audiobooks?
The music lives on - Apple press release
RIP iPod - The Addition
I Want My MCU TV
The Slice
Kelly Guimont on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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The fallout from Elon Musk’s offer to acquire Twitter continues. Adrian Weckler of the Irish Independent tells Charlotte Henry how EU HQ staff are reacting. They also dig into Spotify’s latest set of results. Turns out people didn’t leave because of Joe Rogan.
Elon Musk Gets Twitter
Spotify Technology S.A. Announces Financial Results for First Quarter 2022
Stop Pretending You're Going to Quit Twitter Because Elon Musk is Buying it
Adrian Weckler on Twitter
Adrian Weckler at the Irish Independent
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Elon Musk’s offer to buy Twitter has been accepted by the company’s board, but there are lots of questions about the future of the social media giant that need answering. Jeff Gamet joins host Charlotte Henry to try and unpack it all.
Elon Musk to Acquire Twitter
Elon Musk SNL Monologue
Jeff Gamet on Twitter
Jeff Gamet on YouTube
‘The Context Machine’ podcast
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Tom Merritt joins Charlotte Henry to discuss the current state of the streaming market, as reports indicate that users are giving up on some services. Also, what next for CNN+?
UK Streaming Subscriptions Shrink As Households Look To Cut Costs – Deadline
Scoop: CNN+ looks doomed - Axios
CNN+ Reveals News Streaming Struggles
'CODA' Earns Apple TV+ Victory at Oscars
Daily Tech News Show
Cordkillers
Tom Merrit on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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The New York Times has issued guidance, encouraging its journalists to spend less time on Twitter. Chris Suttcliffe of Media Voices joins Charlotte Henry to discuss how journalists can and should operate across social media.
Media Voices
The New York Times would really like its reporters to stop scrolling and get off Twitter (at least once in a while) - Nieman Lab
When it comes to how journalists use it, there’s no such thing as ‘Twitter’ - CJR
Chris Sutcliffe on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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Legalising sports betting in the US has caused something of a gold rush amongst sports media outlets. Brian Morrisey of The Rebooting joins Charlotte Henry to discuss it all, as well as founding his own media company and his involvement with Puck.
The Rebooting
Puck
Brian Morrisey on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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It rather got overshadowed by…other events, but ‘CODA’ won Best Pictures at the 2022 Oscars. Sigmund Judge joins Charlotte Henry to discuss this groundbreaking moment.
screentimes.net
Sigmund Judge on Twitter
Charlotte Henry on Twitter
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TuneIn CRO Rob Deichert joins Charlotte Henry to discuss TuneInRead More
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Kelly Guimont joins host Charlotte Henry to discuss Apple TV+Read More
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