#media evolution

Hildreth England & Martin Thörnkvist (ed.): Of Stories and Stone: Futures of Wise Cities (2023)

Reeta Hafner, Martin Thörnkvist & Paul Graham Raven (ed.): At the Edge of Here: Futures of Digital Urban Layers (2025)

a debate about the ultimate evolution of media

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pG6nWWZGLZ6EnI3R4pMWR "### The Rise of Zohran Mamdani: Lessons from a New Wave in Politics As a new tide washes over the political landscape of New York City, we find ourselves drawn to the rising figure of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. A young, progressive voice, Mamdani offers fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo, reshaping our understanding of what it means to engage in the political arena today. As we dive into this phenomenon, we must look beyond the individual and examine what his campaign reveals about the broader currents of American politics in 2023. This week, we were joined by Vox Media’s Astead Herndon on the "Stay Tuned with Preet" podcast, revealing a striking intersection between Mamdani’s rise and the recent political climate. Among the conversations was a surprising discussion about the commonalities between Mamdani and former President Trump, showcasing that populism can manifest in various forms, regardless of ideology. Mamdani’s candidacy is steeped in addressing kitchen table issues—topics that resonate deeply in the everyday lives of Americans. From affordable housing and education reform to social justice and climate change, his platform speaks to the urgent needs of a diverse constituency. By focusing on issues that many view as essential yet often overlooked, Mamdani taps into the frustration and desire for change that echoes throughout the nation. What can the political media learn from Mamdani's approach? In a shifting media landscape where sensationalism often overshadows substance, his campaign challenges us to do better—demanding that we pay attention to what truly matters to the electorate. It's about reorienting our focus toward the real-life implications of policy decisions, bringing the spotlight back to the people who are impacted daily by the decisions made in city hall. In this dialogue, there's also an important thread regarding the role of age in politics, addressed in the bonus segment of our podcast. Younger candidates like Mamdani embody a generational shift, but their appeal also raises questions about experience, wisdom, and how voters perceive candidates based on their age. This relationship is becoming ever more critical as we witness an electorate that craves authenticity and relatability. For those interested in the nuances of these evolving conversations, the "Stay Tuned with Preet" podcast offers an accessible platform to stay informed without hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Join the CAFE Insider community for more insightful discussions and to engage with the nuances of our political system. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay in the loop! Check out our latest episode, and while you’re there, subscribe to CAFE’s YouTube channel for more rich content. Have questions for Preet? Reach out on social media or visit our website—we want to hear from you! The story of Zohran Mamdani is just beginning, serving as a case study in the complex tapestry of modern politics. The lessons drawn from his rise are critical not only for New York City but also for the national discourse as we navigate the changing landscape of American governance. Remember, the future is not just about who occupies office; it’s about what values they prioritize and how they choose to hear the voices at their kitchen tables."

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/21gd6efMNxvpxgpuQUWsJy "# Navigating the Media Landscape: Insights from Brian Morrissey In the ever-evolving world of media, we're all hunting for clarity amidst the chaos, especially as the landscape shifts under our feet. This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Morrissey, the mastermind behind The Rebooting. With his finger on the pulse of the media industry, Brian embodies a rare combination of visionary insight and ground-level practicality. If you’re itching for the real scoop on the media business, you’ll want to keep reading. For those who may not know, Brian has been championing the concept of small media companies for quite some time now. He’s not just advocating for "small" for the sake of it; he’s painting a picture of an alternative future where agility and niche focus could not only survive but thrive in today’s digital age. So, what’s the upside of running a scaled-down media company? The answer is complex, yet thrilling. Gone are the days when the gold standard was massive scale. Instead, we’re witnessing a transformation where smaller, more focused media entities can carve out their own space. They have the flexibility to innovate without the layers of bureaucracy that plague larger companies. Brian eloquently articulated that these nimble operations can quickly adapt to audience needs, exploring niche markets and creating content that resonates on a deeper level. And what about those big players that spent years chasing after scale, fueling a high-stakes race for more clicks, more traffic, and more everything? Brian argues that many of these companies are now grappling with the fallout of their ambitions. The relentless pursuit of scale has led to challenges like diluted content quality and audience disconnection. We couldn’t talk about today’s media landscape without diving into the looming presence of AI. Brian and I explored the capabilities and limitations of AI in our industry. While artificial intelligence holds remarkable promise in streamlining processes and offering new tools for storytelling, it’s not a panacea. Media requires a human touch—creativity, intuition, and nuance—elements that AI still struggles to replicate. Of course, we also zeroed in on Google’s enormous power in shaping media, especially through its Discover feature. Let’s not kid ourselves; Google is a dominant force that drives significant traffic. It’s a double-edged sword, really. While utilizing Google can lead to increased visibility and audience engagement, it fundamentally changes how content is produced and consumed. Those who want to succeed in this environment must understand the game. As the media world continues to metamorphose, insights like Brian's are essential for those navigating this chaotic landscape. Whether you're running a large company, a scrappy startup, or just a curious media consumer, understanding where we’re headed—and how to survive the journey—has never been more vital. If you’re interested in honing your media acumen, I highly recommend checking out Brian's work at The Rebooting. It’s where smart conversations about the future of media happen. Stay tuned for more provocative discussions and expert insight as we dissect the future of media!"

Honored that my "anthropotropic" theory of media evolution -- with reference to McLuhan -- is extensively quoted and discussed in this article