This week, we discuss how to turn the ship at two very different companies facing different challenges: CNN and Google. At CNN, former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson is looking to reinvent the still very profitable broadcaster into a more nimble, digitally focused operation as its viewership and cultural importance fade. Google is facing its biggest threat yet in the form of AI and signs with Gemini AI image search that there might just be something to those complaints about a “woke culture.” Plus: nostalgia for websites, invisible paywalls and Substack’s next chapter.

Topics:

00:00 Opening Banter and Homework Check
00:05 Diving Into Mark Thompson's Memo and Corporate Speak
01:20 Introducing People vs. Algorithms
01:49 The Challenges at CNN and Google
02:29 CNN's Transformation and Strategy Discussion
07:13 Exploring the Impact of AI and Invisible Paywalls
11:38 The Future of Publishing and Websites
17:08 Debating the Role of Websites in Media Today
27:52 Substack's Strategy and the Future of Content Creation
33:32 Reimagining CNN's Strategy in the AI Era
45:27 Exploring Perplexity's Innovations and Potential
46:57 The Future of News: AI and Media Evolution
47:14 Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Media in the Digital Age
49:01 The Blurred Lines of Modern Media Brands
57:17 The Dilemma of Independence in the Media Landscape
58:57 Google's Leadership and Innovation Challenges
01:00:14 The Cultural and Structural Issues at Google
01:14:53 Redefining Product Management in Tech
01:17:04 The Essence of Good Content: Vice and Beyond
01:22:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

Change at CNN and Google

People vs Algorithms