Podcast · 70 episodes
Channels with Peter Kafka, page 2
by Vox Media Podcast Network · English
Media and tech aren’t just intersecting — they’re fully intertwined. And to understand how those worlds work, and what they mean for you, veteran journalist Peter Kafka talks to industry leaders, upstarts and observers - and gets them to spell it out in plain, BS-free English. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
All episodes, page 2
Jason Blum Built a Hit-Making Movie Machine. Does It Still Work?How Jason Blum (Blumhouse) built a low-budget “hit machine” for theatrical horror, and how the model is adapting as moviegoing declines, horror becomes crowded, and studios consolidate.22 Apr 2026 · 27 min · 7 chapters
Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz on Sam Altman’s Trust ProblemAn interview about The New Yorker’s blockbuster investigation into OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, framed around whether he can be trusted and what the episode says this implies for AI governance and…13 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 13 chapters
What Happens When a “Succession” Writer Takes on Silicon ValleyThe AMC satire The Audacity (premieres April 12) about Silicon Valley as a backdrop for how tech money and status shape real people, not how software works.8 Apr 2026 · 42 min · 16 chapters
Why We Need to Pay Attention to Elon Musk AgainWhy SpaceX’s 2026 IPO matters, and what it reveals about Elon Musk’s evolving business strategy (rocket company vs internet vs AI), plus risks tied to celebrity, politics, and valuation.1 Apr 2026 · 50 min · 17 chapters
Why Prediction Markets Are Turning Everything Into a BetPrediction markets’ rapid mainstream rise and whether they’re “gambling dressed up” as financial instruments, plus the regulatory fight between the CFTC and state gambling regulators.25 Mar 2026 · 46 min · 20 chapters
How to Survive without Google: People Inc's PlaybookNeil Vogel (CEO of People Inc., formerly About.com/DotDash/DotDash Meredith) explains how a major internet publisher is adapting as Google referrals decline and AI platforms (OpenAI/Microsoft/Meta)…18 Mar 2026 · 48 min · 19 chapters
Matt Belloni on the Oscars, the Ellisons, and Hollywood’s Next ChapterOscar season as a lens on Hollywood’s business direction, including studio bets, Oscar campaigning, prediction markets, and the Academy’s move to YouTube; plus the Ellisons’ Paramount/Warner…11 Mar 2026 · 41 min · 15 chapters
The World’s Cup Is Coming to Trump’s America, with Roger BennettThe 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—what it will mean culturally, politically, and for American soccer fandom; plus ticket access and media coverage.4 Mar 2026 · 40 min · 18 chapters
Netflix Walks, Paramount Wins, and the Ellisons Take HollywoodPeter Kafka (Channels) and CNBC’s Alex Sherman break down Netflix walking away from the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition and Paramount’s expected purchase, plus what it means for Hollywood.27 Feb 2026 · 34 min · 13 chapters
Brian Stelter on the Trump Media Shakedown EraHow Donald Trump’s influence over U.S. media companies is shaping major media mergers, FCC enforcement, and newsroom behavior—especially around CNN’s uncertain future.25 Feb 2026 · 50 min · 17 chapters
Janice Min on Hollywood’s Crisis; Reed Duchscher on the Creator BoomTwo-part look at Hollywood’s instability and the “creator boom.” Janice Min (CEO of The Ankler) discusses consolidation talks involving Warner Bros., Paramount, and Netflix, plus Hollywood’s growing…18 Feb 2026 · 1 h 8 min · 28 chapters
How Odd Lots' Joe Weisenthal Turned Curiosity Into a Career, and a Hit PodcastChannels (Peter Kafka) interviews Joe Weisenthal about how Odd Lots’ curiosity-driven approach turned into a hit business/finance podcast, plus a brief segment with Adam Balalo about “Deep Faking Sam…11 Feb 2026 · 1 h 10 min · 28 chapters
Jeff Bezos Used To Be In Love with The Washington Post. What Happened?This episode explores the complex relationship between Jeff Bezos and The Washington Post, examining the drastic changes the publication has experienced since Bezos's acquisition in 2013.5 Feb 2026 · 35 min · 16 chapters
Who is Josh D'Amaro and Why is He Disney's New CEO?In this episode of "Channels," Peter Kafka interviews Julia Alexander from Puck to discuss the recent announcement of Josh D'Amaro as Disney's new CEO.3 Feb 2026 · 39 min · 11 chapters
Running a Newsroom in Minneapolis + How to Make a Game of Thrones For LessIn this episode, Peter Kafka interviews Kathleen Hennessey, editor of the Minnesota Star Tribune, regarding the challenges faced by the newsroom amidst ongoing chaos in Minneapolis, particularly…28 Jan 2026 · 39 min · 12 chapters
Chuck Klosterman on Why Football Owns TV (and Why It Won’t Forever)Chuck Klosterman on Why Football Owns TV (and Why It Won’t Forever)21 Jan 2026 · 56 min · 15 chapters
How to Build a Profitable Media Company in 3 years, with Semafor’s Justin SmithJustin Smith (Semafor co-founder/CEO) explains how Semafor, a 3-year-old “global leadership” news brand, became profitable (about $2M EBITDA on ~$40M revenue) and how it aims to avoid platform/Google…14 Jan 2026 · 40 min · 12 chapters
Inside Bari Weiss’s Rise: LA, Sun Valley, and the Mogul NetworkA discussion of Charlotte Klein’s New York Magazine profile of Bari Weiss and what her rise from LA “exile” to head of CBS News reveals about the current media/political moment, including how moguls…7 Jan 2026 · 40 min · 9 chapters
Craig Finn on Friendship, Fans and The Hold Steady’s Second LifeCraig Finn (Hold Steady) discusses how working musicians make a living, why album timing/press still matters, how touring models have changed as fans age, and how his new solo album fits alongside…31 Dec 2025 · 49 min · 28 chapters
Podcast Pioneer PJ Vogt’s Second Act: Less Budget, More ControlPJ Vogt (Search Engine) explains how to build a high-quality, independent weekly podcast with a “small budget” by using a hybrid format (interviews plus writing and occasional reported…24 Dec 2025 · 55 min · 21 chapters
"Neither Side Is Used to Losing." Lucas Shaw on What’s Next for Netflix and Paramount in the Battle for Warner Bros.The ongoing bidding battle for Warner Bros. Discovery—Netflix vs. Paramount/Skydance (Ellison family)—and what it signals for media consolidation in 2025–26, plus a segment on AI’s impact on…17 Dec 2025 · 42 min · 14 chapters
Lachlan Cartwright Started in Tabloids. Now He’s a Must-Read Media Gossip.Lachlan Cartwright’s journey from Australian journalism to London tabloids and U.S.10 Dec 2025 · 47 min · 22 chapters
"Hollywood is Truly Freaked Out." Inside the Netflix/WBD Deal with Lucas ShawNetflix’s planned $83B (incl. debt) purchase of a major Warner Bros. Discovery stake, and what it means for Hollywood, streaming competition, and regulation.5 Dec 2025 · 19 min · 9 chapters
PBS Lost a Billion Dollars. Now what? With CEO Paula KergerPaula Kerger, CEO of PBS, discusses the impact of a roughly $1 billion federal funding cut to PBS and NPR, how PBS is responding, and why she argues public media should still receive some government…3 Dec 2025 · 40 min · 16 chapters