cover of episode Not an Internet Error: How 404 Media Aims to Shake Up Online Journalism

Not an Internet Error: How 404 Media Aims to Shake Up Online Journalism

2024/9/11
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On the Media
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Michael Loewinger
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Samantha Cole
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Michael Loewinger：本期节目介绍了404 Media这家由四位记者共同创立的新闻机构，探讨了其在员工所有制模式下的运营挑战和成功经验，以及这种模式对新闻业未来的启示。节目中回顾了其他员工所有制新闻机构（如Hellgate和Defector）的成功案例，并分析了其成功的关键因素，例如不追求快速增长和不受公司老板的约束。同时，节目也探讨了新闻业当前面临的挑战，例如广告收入下降和公司裁员等问题。 Samantha Cole：作为404 Media的联合创始人，Samantha Cole分享了公司成立一年来的经验和教训。她详细介绍了404 Media的运营模式，包括没有外部投资、精简运营、以及依靠广告和订阅收入维持运营。她还列举了404 Media的一些成功案例，例如揭露大型语言模型中包含儿童性虐待材料、曝光NVIDIA抓取网络数据用于AI模型训练、以及揭露纽约地铁系统漏洞等。这些报道都产生了实际影响，例如导致相关公司采取行动或修改政策。此外，Cole还谈到了公司面临的挑战，例如内容被AI生成的网站剽窃、以及订阅疲劳等问题。她认为，高质量的内容和直接的读者反馈是404 Media保持竞争力的关键。她对订阅模式在新闻业的未来发展持乐观态度，但也强调需要多元化收入来源。

Deep Dive

Chapters
404 Media, a worker-owned news outlet, was founded by former Vice Motherboard journalists after Vice's bankruptcy. They prioritize serving readers directly and avoid outside investment to maintain control. They operate leanly, working remotely and cutting overhead.
  • 404 Media was founded by former Vice Motherboard journalists.
  • They chose a worker-owned model to have more control over their work.
  • They operate leanly without outside investment, working remotely to minimize costs.

Shownotes Transcript

Last summer, OTM host Micah Loewenger reported a piece) about the rise of worker-owned newsrooms: Hell Gate, a local New York publication, and Defector, a national outlet focused on sports and culture. 

Inspired by Defector and Hell Gate, more worked-owned outlets have come on the scene — including 404 Media), known for its mix of fun internet coverage and hard-nosed investigations. In this week’s midweek podcast, Micah speaks to 404 co-founder Samantha Cole about the challenges they have faced since they started their own outlet. Plus, what their success can teach us about the future of news.

On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm)). Follow our show on Instagram), Twitter) and Facebook) @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected].