Intro
In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galway discuss listener feedback and Swisher’s meeting with a special advisor to the UK prime minister about AI. They also touch on various topics including politics, AI devices, Donald Trump’s federal election fraud trial, the film industry, and the New York Times. Special guest Meredith Levien, CEO of the New York Times, joins the conversation to talk about the challenges and priorities of independent journalism.
Main Takeaways
AI and Politics
- ServiceNow’s Intelligent Platform can improve customer experiences, help non-coders code, accelerate IT team productivity, and resolve HR cases faster.
- Contentful empowers digital teams to scale experiences quickly and efficiently with their composable content platform.
- Pivot hosts discuss listener feedback and Swisher’s meeting with a special advisor to the UK prime minister about AI.
- Swisher jokes about Galway’s penis jokes and Galway jokes about Swisher’s tie.
Politics and Current Affairs
- David Cameron’s return to politics as foreign secretary receives mixed opinions.
- Cameron’s decision to call for a Brexit vote is considered one of the greatest tactical blunders in history.
- The UK is the only European nation that hasn’t grown its economy in five years.
- Suella Braveman, who was recently fired, made controversial statements about homelessness being a choice.
- There is a popular cat at 10 Downing Street with a dedicated social media account.
AI and Entertainment
- Arnold Schwarzenegger is the subject of a new documentary, highlighting his impressive achievements but ignoring his past sexual harassment.
- A new AI device called AI pin has been released by Humane Inc. for $699 and is meant to eventually replace the smartphone.
- The AI pin is primarily voice-based and projects onto your hand, but has received mixed reviews and is seen as unnecessary by some.
- SAG after deal includes AI provisions for consent and compensation for digital replicas of actors.
- Actors will be notified and paid for the use of their image in AI models.
Politics and Legal Matters
- Former President Donald Trump wants his federal election fraud trial to be televised, but TV cameras are forbidden in federal courtrooms.
- Trial set to begin in March is one of four criminal trials approaching for Trump during 2024.
- Trump is trying to position these cases as being an example of deep state and malicious prosecution.
- Martha Stewart was brought to jail for lying to prosecutors and federal agents, not for insider trading.
Business and Politics
- UAW’s proposed agreement with GM facing hurdles, but Biden supports unionization at Tesla and Toyota.
- UAW contract approval likely, despite some members voting against it.
- Approval could have repercussions for non-union shops, including Tesla and Toyota.
- Republican Mike Johnson’s game plan for funding federal agencies is a two-tiered ladder resolution that extends funding until January and February.
- Johnson needs Democrats to join him if they oppose the plan, but some Republicans are already voicing opposition.
Journalism and Media
- The New York Times announced close to 10 million subscribers with revenue up 9.3% from last year, while competitors are struggling.
- Meredith Levien, CEO of the New York Times, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of journalism and the challenges the industry faces.
- The Times prioritizes independent journalism and investing in the quality of their product.
- The biggest enemies of quality independent journalism are societal factors such as disinformation and degradation of public trust.
- The Times is innovating around audio products and experimenting with short-form video for journalism.
Summary
AI and Politics
ServiceNow’s Intelligent Platform and Contentful’s composable content platform are discussed as tools that can improve customer experiences and accelerate productivity in various industries. The hosts also share some lighter moments, joking about each other’s quirks.
Politics and Current Affairs
The hosts delve into the political landscape, discussing David Cameron’s return to politics, the UK’s economic struggles, controversial statements by Suella Braveman, and the popularity of a cat at 10 Downing Street. They highlight the mixed opinions surrounding Cameron’s decisions and the impact of Braveman’s statements on public perception.
AI and Entertainment
The hosts explore the intersection of AI and entertainment, touching on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new documentary and the release of the AI pin device. They discuss the potential implications of AI in the entertainment industry and the mixed reviews surrounding these advancements.
Politics and Legal Matters
The hosts discuss Donald Trump’s desire to televise his federal election fraud trial and the restrictions on TV cameras in federal courtrooms. They also highlight Martha Stewart’s legal troubles and the distinction between her charges and insider trading.
Business and Politics
The hosts delve into the UAW’s proposed agreement with GM and the potential impact on non-union shops like Tesla and Toyota. They also discuss Republican Mike Johnson’s funding plan for federal agencies and the challenges he faces in garnering support.
Journalism and Media
Meredith Levien, CEO of the New York Times, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges and priorities of independent journalism. The hosts explore the New York Times’ success in attracting subscribers and their investments in audio products and short-form video. They emphasize the importance of quality journalism and the need to combat disinformation and public trust issues.
Conclusion
This episode of the “Pivot” podcast covers a wide range of topics, including AI, politics, entertainment, legal matters, business, and journalism. The hosts and guest provide insights into current affairs, industry developments, and the challenges faced by independent journalism. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of technology, politics, and media in today’s society.
