Karl Stefanovic has abandoned the traditional news desk for the podcast studio, swapping suit and tie for a T-shirt and thongs, in a move that reflects the growing dominance of the creator economy over quality journalism. According to political commentator Ed Coper, Stefanovic 'saw the road ahead and headed for the golden pastures of a world controlled not by editors and advertisers but by algorithms and engagement.'
The Shift from TV to Podcasting
Stefanovic's transition from hosting the Today show on Channel Nine to launching The Karl Stefanovic Show on YouTube and podcast platforms illustrates a broader trend. On television, he was governed by mainstream editorial standards, espousing socially acceptable opinions. In his new podcast, he has platformed far-right extremists, such as the UK's most notorious far-right figure, telling him 'God I love ya.' This stark contrast highlights how social media incentives reward extreme and controversial content.
Coper notes that on social media, 'you need to be extreme to be heard. The more contrarian, the more visible. The more outrageous, the more interesting.' To build a successful news empire in the creator economy, Stefanovic must win the algorithm by replicating the template set by others: fringe opinions wrapped in culture war attacks on political correctness.
The Creator Economy and Its Winners
The rise of creator media has been a boon for those who peddle misinformation, as bias and sensationalism are core features that capture attention on social media platforms. Megyn Kelly, once a Fox News star, now has over 4 million subscribers on YouTube with her podcast. Candace Owens, a conspiracy theorist, regularly draws larger audiences on YouTube than Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC combined. Joe Rogan's 2024 Spotify deal was reportedly worth about $250 million.
Coper argues that when the news media ecosystem is migrated onto platforms that map onto emotional wiring, it inadvertently builds content like Stefanovic's podcast. The platforms have decided that anger, outrage, and controversy rule, and that negative attention counts as much as positive engagement.
What Can Be Done?
To counter this trend, Coper emphasizes the need to restore quality information systems. Supporting quality news outlets and fixing the incentives that lead journalists down the Rogan path are crucial. Regulations could make platforms more suitable as public squares, rewarding consensus, facts, and balance instead of outrage.
Coper concludes: 'Perhaps if they had rewards for consensus, facts and balance, we would be instead discussing Karl, Australia’s latest sage-baiter.'
