Can Puck’s CEO reinvent the news business for the influencer age?
Summary
Nilay Patel interviews Sarah Personette, CEO of Puck, about the media company’s talent-led model that combines journalism with influencer economics. They discuss Puck’s recent acquisition of Airmail, its equity-based compensation for journalists, and the challenges of competing with platforms like Substack. Personette defends Puck’s structure as a way to maintain editorial rigor while offering creators independence and support infrastructure.
Topics discussed
Intro, ads, and guest introduction
Sarah Personette's career at Facebook and Twitter
Leading through the VUCA world and Twitter acquisition
The history of media shifts and Puck's founding
Ad break
Puck's structure, Airmail acquisition, and layoffs
Compensation, equity, and the Substack comparison
Subscriber growth, bonuses, and distribution channels
Journalism vs. influencers and portfolio strategy
Profitability, future acquisitions, and conclusion
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