Summary
Axios CEO Jim VandeHei and co-founder Mike Allen reflected on their 20-year journey as media entrepreneurs. They discussed how the launch of Politico in 2007 changed media dynamics by providing political news quickly and engagingly. This shift influenced the rise of newsletters and the focus on individual voices over traditional media brands.
Key Facts
- Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen started Politico in January 2007.
- Politico changed how political news was delivered, emphasizing speed and a personal touch.
- This media shift contributed to ending the traditional 24-hour news cycle.
- Politico popularized the idea of "winning the morning" by publishing important news early.
- The newsletter format became important, with Politico Playbook becoming influential.
- The success of Politico suggested that individual journalists could be more significant than traditional media brands.
- Axios, another venture by the founders, now reaches a large, influential audience with its newsletter approach.
- Modern media now often focuses on niche topics rather than broad national coverage.
