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SEE YOU IN COURT
Shifting Media Models and the Growing Legal Battle Over AI Training Data
Every writer has a dog in these fights
This week, Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie weighed in on the transformation reshaping the media industry. In a post on his newsletter, McKenzie argued that legacy media’s grip on content is weakening as independent voices and digital-first models take center stage. That is good news for small independents like you and me.
Even though entities like Substack focus strongly on talent who can bring in big money, those of us smallfry who choose to publish our work on aggregate platforms where we have control will still have a more robust chance of growing and succeeding.
A call to prioritize talent over control
McKenzie emphasized the need for media organizations to invest in people, not just platforms. “The future of media is built on human connection, not institutional control,” he wrote. He believes creators can thrive by forming tight-knit communities around shared interests — and that more support for independent entrepreneurs will lead to a healthier, more diverse media ecosystem.
