This is what the future of media looks like | Hamish McKenzie
May 21, 2025•11 min
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Summary
Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack, argues that the current media "mess" is a transition to a "garden" where independent creators connect directly with their audiences. This new model prioritizes trust over engagement metrics and offers economic autonomy, moving away from centralized gatekeepers and algorithms. Examples demonstrate how this system fosters sustainable relationships and a more nuanced, diverse media ecosystem.Episode description
What if the polarizing mess of social media, clickbait headlines and addictive algorithms isn't a breakdown of media but a transition to something better? Substack cofounder Hamish McKenzie explores how independent creators are growing a new media "garden," where trust beats engagement metrics and audiences matter more than ads. Learn why clicking “subscribe” doesn’t just signal support; it gives you power.
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