Axios Founders: Who Broke the Media?
Tuesday, 8 April 2025 · 1 min read · Listen to the episode ↗
In the discussion hosted by Barry Weiss, Jim Van DeHei and Mike Allen explore the significant decline in trust in journalism, highlighted by Gallup data showing a drop from 66% to 31% since 1970. They examine the challenges of rebuilding trust amid rising skepticism, particularly among younger audiences towards established media outlets. Additionally, their innovative approach with Axios, emphasizing "Smart Brevity," signifies a shift in media consumption aligned with modern communication trends, potentially applicable to advancements in AI, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology.
Barry Weiss hosts a discussion with Jim Van DeHei and Mike Allen, who have notable backgrounds in political journalism. Van DeHei co-founded Politico and served as its executive editor, while Allen, the first hire at Politico, gained recognition during the Obama administration. In 2017, they launched Axios, emphasizing "Smart Brevity" to provide concise news and life advice for young professionals.
The conversation addresses the alarming decline in trust in journalism, with Gallup data revealing a drop from 66% in 1970 to just 31% today, and 36% of people expressing no trust in news media. Weiss raises important questions about how to rebuild this trust, the implications of differing realities and alternative facts, and whether mainstream media should acknowledge past errors. She points out the growing skepticism towards established outlets like NPR and the New York Times, especially among younger audiences. Weiss encourages Van DeHei and Allen to share their perspectives on when the breakdown in trust and the media business model began.
This summary was generated from the episode transcript and can contain mistakes.