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Published Mar 2, 2019

Recode Decode: News Media Alliance CEO David Chavern

News Media Alliance CEO David Chavern examines the sustainability of journalism in the digital age, highlighting the necessity for self-sustaining business models beyond billionaire investments. He critiques the monopolistic hold of tech giants like Google and Facebook on digital advertising and content delivery, urging innovative solutions for news organizations to maintain visibility and trust.
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Episode Highlights

  • Platform Power

    Tech platforms like Google and Facebook wield significant power over news content delivery, determining what audiences see and how it's monetized. highlights the challenges this poses, as these platforms stand between news organizations and their audiences, controlling the relationship and prioritization of content 1. Despite their potential to enhance content delivery, Chavern notes that these companies often claim limitations in their capabilities, which is frustrating given their global influence 1. He argues for a more productive relationship, emphasizing that quality journalism can improve the information landscape if platforms choose to support it 1.

    For companies that talk all the time about the amazing things they've done for the world, the amazing things they can do, mostly what they tell me is they can't do stuff. It's amazing.

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    Chavern also points out the dual role of these platforms in controlling both news distribution and digital advertising, which complicates the media landscape further 2.

       

    Brand Suppression

    Brand suppression on tech platforms is a significant issue for news organizations, affecting trust and visibility. explains that platforms like Facebook and Google suppress the origin of information, making it difficult for audiences to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation 2. This suppression undermines the trust that news organizations rely on, as the relationship between the audience and the news brand is obscured 2. Chavern contrasts Google and Facebook, noting that Google seems to have a better understanding of the importance of news, while Facebook appears less sensitive to the needs of journalism 3.

    It's very hard. It puts a big onus on the public to figure out, where is this crazy Uncle Joe? Is this the New York Times?

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    He emphasizes the need for platforms to reward quality journalism and improve brand visibility to foster a more informed public 3.

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