The Cal Newport Show
Ep 387: Can Substack Save Journalism? + Viral Advice for Ignoring Your Phone
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Paul Krugman's move to Substack represents a potential shift in journalism, showcasing that independent authors can find success outside traditional media.
- The transition from traditional journalism to paid newsletters indicates a larger trend which may offer competitive alternatives in the media industry.
- Taking prolonged breaks from social media can highlight the negative impacts of phone distractions, suggesting benefits from reducing screen time.
- Focusing on meaningful activities outside of digital distractions can aid in reducing phone reliance and improving personal satisfaction.
- Substack and similar platforms may reshape how journalism operates, but reliance solely on one platform can create risks regarding quality and diversity in media.
Summary
The Rise of Substack Journalism
The episode opens with a discussion about Paul Krugman leaving the New York Times to start a Substack newsletter. Originally seen as a setback in traditional media, it turns out Krugman’s Substack has thrived, boasting a large subscriber count and significant earnings. This serves as inspiration to explore the potential of paid newsletter models as replacements for traditional journalism, with insights drawn from statistical analysis of the Substack economy.
Comparative Journalism Economics
Cal Newport examines the economic landscape of journalism, comparing traditional print media with the burgeoning paid newsletter market. The discussion includes subscriber counts, revenue figures, and how these two forms of journalism interact. The conclusion highlights a growing trend of independent writers achieving financial success outside traditional platforms, indicating a shift in the media landscape.
Viral Practices for Phone Usage
In the second segment, the podcast shifts to practical advice about reducing phone usage. Cal discusses an experiment where people cut out social media for 30 days, emphasizing the need to fill the void left by digital absence with meaningful activities. The key takeaway is that improving life outside of phone distractions will naturally lessen the desire to engage in less meaningful screens.
Exploring Solutions to Distracted Living
The idea of creating an environment conducive to depth and focus is discussed. Suggestions are made for avoiding the traps of distraction by focusing on deeper, more meaningful activities. The conversation broadens into questioning the capabilities of Substack as a sustainable alternative to traditional journalism and whether it can provide quality content amidst the increasing demand for individual engagement.
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Show notes
Last year, when columnist Paul Krugman left the NYT, it seemed like yet another example of the traditional media crumbling. But Krugman, as it turns out, is doing great. His popular substack now reaches massive audiences and earns him a seven-figure salary. Inspired by this story, in the ideas segment of today’s episode, we take a closer look at key numbers relevant to whether paid newsletters can replace traditional print media. Then, in the practices segment, we study some viral advice for spending less time on your phone.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
DEEP DIVE: Can Substack Save Journalism? + Viral Advice for Ignoring Your Phone [0:02]
PRACTICES SEGMENT: How to successfully delete social media [50:40]
Is it ok to use ChatGPT to try to better understand some classics? [1:04:51]
How do I decide what to write down when I use the notebook method? [1:06:10]
For professional writers trying to succeed today, isn’t Substack the platform of the moment? [1:12:00]
CAL’S READING UPDATE: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:18:28]
Airframe (Michael Crichton)The Great Train Robbery (Michael Crichton) Fantastic Voyage (Isaac Asimov)
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?cjr.org/analysis/paul-krugman-leaving-new-york-times-heavy-hand-editing-less-frequent-columns-newsletter.phpsubstack.com/@paulkrugmannatesilver.net/p/always-be-bloggingreallygoodbusinessideas.com/p/most-popular-substackspewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/rnz.co.nz/life/culture/any-attempt-to-simplify-elon-musk-is-futile-the-nz-cofounder-of-substackdaringfireball.net/2024/11/regarding_and_well_against_substackyoutube.com/watch?v=eUSBKj5ZQpo
Thanks to our Sponsors:
meetfabric.com/deeppipedrive.com/deepfactormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
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