Can Journalism Survive AI? - with NYT CEO Meredith Kopit Levien - The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway Recap

Podcast: The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

Published: 2026-03-19

Duration: 45 min

Guests: Meredith Kopit Levien

What Happened

Meredith Kopit Levien, CEO of The New York Times, discussed the financial success of the company, noting that The Times has achieved its strongest year in recent memory with 13 million subscribers and revenues approaching $3 billion. She attributes this success to sustained investment in original, independent journalism and a clear strategy to be the essential subscription for curious people everywhere.

Scott Galloway and Meredith Kopit Levien explored the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the journalism industry. Levien emphasized the importance of protecting The Times' intellectual property rights against unauthorized use by AI companies, reflecting the company's strategy to enforce these rights through legal action and strategic partnerships, like the one with Amazon.

The discussion highlighted the differences in performance between The New York Times and other legacy media companies like The Washington Post. Levien suggested that The Times' deliberate long-term strategy and investment in journalism have been key factors in their success, contrasting with the struggles faced by other media outlets.

Levien outlined potential avenues for growth, including expanding into video content and making The Times as preferred a brand for watching news as it is for reading and listening. She also mentioned the potential for growth in lifestyle products and international markets, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new formats and modalities.

Scott Galloway raised concerns about media consolidation and the control of numerous media brands by a single family, the Ellisons. Levien did not express specific worries about this consolidation but emphasized the importance of conditions that allow human-made, creative work to flourish.

The conversation touched on the challenges of raising children in the digital age. Levien shared personal insights about parenting her 15-year-old son, emphasizing the importance of being present and engaged despite the demands of her career. She noted the challenges of screen time and the influence of digital devices on teenagers.

Meredith Kopit Levien expressed pride in the accomplishments of The New York Times during her tenure, particularly in growing the subscription base and maintaining the quality of journalism. She highlighted the importance of developing leaders and ensuring a wide audience for the work of The Times.

Key Insights

• The New York Times has reached 13 million subscribers with revenues approaching $3 billion, largely due to strategic investments in original journalism and a focus on being an essential subscription for curious individuals.
• Meredith Kopit Levien emphasized the need to protect The Times' intellectual property from AI companies, highlighting lawsuits and partnerships as ways to enforce rights and ensure fair value exchange for their content.
• The New York Times aims to expand its reach in video and lifestyle products, seeking growth opportunities in international markets and new content formats, with an emphasis on becoming a preferred brand for both reading and watching news.
• Media consolidation was discussed, with Scott Galloway expressing concerns about the control of numerous media brands by one family. Levien focused on the need for conditions that support the flourishing of human-made, creative work.