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The cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show highlights a major shift in the media landscape as expensive TV production gives way to more cost-effective, audience-focused podcasting formats. When Stephen Colbert's show got axed, the immediate cultural response wasn't "start a YouTube channel" or "join TikTok". It was "launch a podcast." This reaction speaks volumes about where audience attention and creator opportunity now resides.
Mentioned in this episode:
Our thoughts:
- The Late Show cost $100 million annually with 200 employees, making it financially unsustainable
- Traditional TV's aging audience (average 68 years old) doesn't appeal to advertisers seeking younger demographics
- Conan O'Brien's successful transition from TV (280,000 viewers) to podcasting (1.3 million listeners)
- Podcast production costs dramatically lower at $20,000 per episode for major networks, often under $100 for independents
- Creative freedom in podcasting allows hosts to maintain their authentic voice without network interference
- Many former TV personalities finding success in podcasting: Trevor Noah, Bill O'Reilly, Rosie O'Donnell, and Keith Olbermann, for example.
- Podcasting becoming synonymous with independent media creation in public consciousness
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