More mea culpas about Spectacles, then the CEO of The Athletic gives an explosive interview to the New York Times. Plus, more news about Google and Facebook’s subscriptions offerings, and Apple’s interference.
Gatekeepers Follow-Up, Hollywood and Venture Capital, The New York Times versus Tech
The removal of Gatekeepers should not drive the demand for new ones; then, why venture capital has a lot in common with Hollywood, which should serve as a warning. Finally, a reminder, courtesy of the New York Times, of why the Fake News campaign is dangerous.
Goodbye Gatekeepers
Harvey Weinstein was a gate-keeper — a position that existed in multiple industries, including the media. That entire structure, though, is untenable on the Internet, and that’s a good thing.
Amazon Earnings, Amazon Logistics Services?, Netflix Earnings
A follow-up on The Athletic’s potential and challenges, then Amazon’s earnings and the mystery of its increased investment. Then, a reminder of why Amazon is a threat to Netflix in the long run.
The Athletic Expands, An Interview With ‘The Athletic’ CEO Alex Mather
The Athletic is trying to build a bundle around sports and subscription-based content, as CEO Alex Mather explains in an interview with Stratechery
Facebook Earnings, Advertisers Won’t Save Local News, Bret Stephens and the NYT Business Model
Facebook’s earnings show that the company’s ads are differentiated. Then, advertisers won’t save local news, and a reminder that publications need to match their journalism with their business model.
The New York Times Versus Uber, Uber Versus Apple, Apple Versus Tencent
The New York Times has a story about Uber and Apple that had a fundamental flaw and lacked context; then, Apple won this round against Tencent, but this is a battle to watch
The Great Unbundling Follow-Up, Netflix Earnings, The New York Times 2020 Report
The current TV model is exceptionally strong, but its weaknesses are correlated. Then, Netflix continues to demonstrate the power of Aggregation Theory, and the New York Times impresses with its focus on the business side of journalism.
AT&T-Time Warner Followup, The New York Times Acquires The Wirecutter, Microsoft Earnings
Follow up on AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner, including why AT&T is different than Time Warner Cable and my problems with zero rating. Then, the New York Times bought The Wirecutter, and Microsoft had great earnings (as expected)
In Defense of The New York Times
Amazon and The New York Times had a fascinating exchange this week, on Medium of all places. What that exchange represents — the search for truth, now open to anyone — is far more important than the particular article in question.