Meet the man making money for Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly
Channels with Peter Kafka
Deep Dive
What does Chris Balfe's company, Red Seat Ventures, do?
Red Seat Ventures helps creators build their digital businesses, including podcasts, YouTube shows, subscription services, and VOD networks. They provide production, growth, marketing, and monetization support across platforms.
Why did high-profile media personalities like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly turn to digital platforms?
The technology and tools for digital media have matured, making it easier to reach audiences and monetize content. Digital platforms offer quicker scaling and potentially more lucrative opportunities compared to traditional TV contracts.
How does Red Seat Ventures help creators monetize their content?
They have a sales team and a growth and marketing team that helps creators maximize their presence and monetize across platforms like podcasts and YouTube through ad sales and subscriptions.
Why do podcasts and YouTube shows appeal to political campaigns like Trump's?
These platforms allow for longer, deeper conversations that resonate with audiences, particularly younger demographics. They also provide a space for creating media moments rather than just reacting to them, which is appealing to political figures.
What is the difference in value between a podcast listener and a YouTube viewer for Red Seat Ventures?
Podcast listeners are more valuable because they are stickier, spend more time with the content, and are more likely to commit to the show. YouTube viewers, while valuable, are less consistent and may not subscribe to the channel, making them less predictable.
Why are some advertisers hesitant to work with right-wing or controversial content creators?
Advertisers are often concerned about brand safety and avoid controversial spaces like right-wing politics, news, and true crime. However, there is hope that as these platforms become more mainstream, advertisers may become more accepting.
What role do platforms like Rumble and Parler play in the digital media landscape?
Rumble is the most successful among the right-wing alternatives to YouTube, but the rise of platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) giving a second look to right-wing talent may limit the growth of these alternative platforms.
How does Chris Balfe view the future of ideological networks in digital media?
Balfe believes the role of networks is changing. Instead of traditional linear networks, creators are building their own ecosystems, supported by companies like Red Seat Ventures, which provide monetization, production, and growth support without the constraints of ideological networks.
What does Chris Balfe think about the potential for censorship under a new administration?
Balfe is a free speech maximalist and hopes that any future policies focus on reducing crackdowns on misinformation rather than targeting specific groups or viewpoints.
How has the perception of Chris Balfe's work with right-wing creators changed in New York?
Balfe notes that while some people react negatively when they learn about his work with right-wing creators, most executives and money people understand it as a business decision, and right-of-center content sells.
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