Decoder with Nilay Patel The social media age for news is over. Former BuzzFeed News editor Ben Smith on what’s next
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May 2, 2023 
In this conversation with Ben Smith, the former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and co-founder of Semafor, they delve into the decline of social media as a credible news source. Ben touches on the closure of BuzzFeed News and its implications for journalism. He shares insights on evolving media consumption, the rise of newsletters, and challenges in digital advertising. They also explore the lessons learned from BuzzFeed that shape his approach at Semafor, highlighting the importance of building an engaged audience over chasing traffic.
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Right-Wing Populism and Facebook
- Facebook's amplification of right-wing populism wasn't solely due to technical features or manipulation, but rather reflected existing societal trends.
- The popularity of Donald Trump, even after being banned from Facebook, demonstrates this.
Challenges for Digital Publishers
- Digital publishers faced declining ad rates and the challenge of infinite traffic, making it difficult to control digital commodities.
- BuzzFeed's initial strategy focused on being content experts for social media platforms, offering branded content and targeted advertising.
Shifting Media Landscape
- As social media platforms decline, the media landscape becomes more fragmented and complex.
- People seek smaller, more private spaces with like-minded individuals, shifting away from open platforms.
