Honestly with Bari Weiss How ‘Vice’ Went from a $6 Billion Media Empire to Bankruptcy
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May 30, 2024 
Michael Moynihan, a veteran journalist and former national correspondent for Vice, shares insights into the dramatic downfall of Vice Media. Once a $6 billion giant, Vice’s decline was fueled by a shift away from its edgy roots to a focus on identity politics. Moynihan argues that this change bled the company of its original ethos and audience. He reflects on the isolation within the workplace and the struggles of journalists navigating a politicized environment. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these issues for the media landscape.
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The Dennis Rodman Story
- Vice gained notoriety by securing an interview with Kim Jong-un through Dennis Rodman due to Kim's basketball fandom.
- This exemplified Vice's unconventional approach to journalism and its pursuit of the "holy shit" factor.
Vice's Shift
- Vice's shift wasn't a planned takeover but a gradual process.
- The push for professionalization led to hiring journalists with different values, ultimately changing Vice's identity.
Rejecting Vice's Past
- Young Vice employees demanded removal of old magazine covers, symbolizing rejection of Vice's past.
- This demonstrated a disconnect between employees and the brand's identity.