Four years ago, Ben Smith co-founded Semafor, aiming to bridge the gap between quality journalism and event convening. Now, as we navigate an era of anti-scale media, he shares insights on how his team is carving out a profitable niche.

The world of news has transformed dramatically since Ben’s days at BuzzFeed, where he witnessed the rise and fall of traffic-centric models. Semafor, however, focuses on building a specific audience of college-educated readers through targeted events and thought-provoking content. The challenge lies in maintaining journalistic integrity while embracing the financial benefits of live convenings.

Ben reflects on the evolution of his media landscape, noting that great stories remain timeless despite the dynamic nature of digital distribution. He discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in journalism and the role of covered individuals in shaping the content they produce. As Semafor continues to grow, it remains committed to delivering high-quality insights without compromising its core values.