Mixed Signals from Semafor Media
Episodes
Salman Rushdie on what he's learned about media after a lifetime of being trapped by it
Salman Rushdie discusses his new documentary, Knife, which chronicles his 2022 stabbing and recovery.
Jessica Tarlov on being the lone Democrat at Fox, what she knows about Pete Hegseth, and why she defends her conservative colleagues
Jessica Tarloff discusses her role as the lone Democrat on Fox News’ The Five, sharing insights from her new book, *I Disagree*.
Taylor Lorenz on the moral panic around kids and phones, and how she logs 17 hours of screen time
Semafor’s Ben Smith and Max Tane interview journalist Taylor Lorenz on the rise of digital ID verification and its threat to online anonymity.
Social media consultant Rachel Karten on the death of the follower, micro-dramas, and being “algorithmically ungovernable”
Ben Smith and Max Taney interview social media consultant Rachel Karchin about the shift from follower-based engagement to algorithmic entertainment.
Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl on AI, streaming power, and why music royalties are the safest asset on Wall Street
Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kinsel joins Semafor’s Liz Hoffman to discuss the music industry’s evolution into a stable, Wall Street-favored asset class driven by predictable streaming royalties.
Kareem Rahma on building a talk show empire and the business behind his viral shows
Kareem Rama discusses reinventing the talk show format for the digital age through his hits *Subway Takes* and *Keep the Meter Running*.
Vic Jacobi on building trust in NBA circles and the business of knowing everybody
This episode explores the blurring lines between NBA players, agents, and media through an interview with content creator Victoria Jacoby.
From WIRED's Uncanny Valley: Tim Heidecker Thinks Twitter Should Be a World Heritage Site
Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is more worried about your phone than your body
Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy discusses how social media and technology drive a global loneliness epidemic, harming physical and mental health.
Steve Hilton on the Murdochs, David Ellison, and conservative media’s California
Ben Smith and Max Chafkin interview Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for California governor, about his campaign strategy and media background.