The primary function of cable news has shifted. It no longer breaks news but instead produces segments specifically designed to be clipped and go viral on social media platforms. Its main impact is now on the broader internet conversation, not its direct viewership.

High-stakes bidding for legacy media assets like Warner Bros. is driven by status-seeking among the ultra-wealthy, not a sound bet on the future of media. They are acquiring prestigious "shiny objects" from the past, while the actual attention economy has shifted to platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Mainstream media outlets often function as propaganda arms for political factions, not sources of objective truth. Consumers should treat them as such, using outlets like CNN for the left's narrative and Fox for the right's, simply to understand the official talking points of each side.

The primary challenge for journalism today isn't its own decline, but the audience's evolution. People now consume media from many sources, often knowingly biased ones, piecing together their own version of reality. They've shifted from being passive information recipients to active curators of their own truth.

"Culture" is often used too broadly. Brands should focus on "Little C" culture by tapping into existing pillars like music or sports. "Big C" culture—macro societal shifts—is a rare feat achievable only by platform-level brands like TikTok.

The value of a large, pre-existing audience is decreasing. Powerful platform algorithms are becoming so effective at identifying and distributing high-quality content that a new creator with great material can get significant reach without an established following. This levels the playing field and reduces the incumbent advantage.

Despite declining viewership, legacy media institutions like The New York Times and Washington Post remain critical because they produce the raw content and shape the narratives that fuel the entire digital ecosystem. They provide the 'coal' that other platforms burn for engagement, giving them unrecognized leverage.

Unlike Big Tech firms with nearly unlimited resources to fight legal battles, traditional media companies are financially weaker than ever. This economic vulnerability makes them susceptible to government pressure, as they often cannot afford the protracted litigation required to defend their First Amendment rights.

The era of limited information sources allowed for a controlled, shared narrative. The current media landscape, with its volume and velocity of information, fractures consensus and erodes trust, making it nearly impossible for society to move forward in lockstep.