Vice's Shane Smith: Mobile Is Media's Holy Grail

The transcript discusses Vice's evolution from an online platform to a global news brand, comparing it to BuzzFeed and CNN. It highlights Vice's business model, emphasizing its focus on news without advertising and its expansion into a 24-hour global news network. The conversation touches on Vice's content strategy, partnerships, and the potential impact of companies like Apple on TV innovation. It also covers Vice's approach to reporting on global issues such as Ebola and the situation in Russia. Finally, it outlines Vice's future plans, including investments in mobile and digital platforms.

What is Vice's goal in the media landscape?

• To become a global news brand like CNN

• To focus solely on entertainment content

• To merge with BuzzFeed

• To eliminate all news content

How does Vice News differ from other Vice content?

• It is only available in print

• It remains ad-free and focuses on straight news

• It focuses on entertainment

• It includes advertisements

What is a key feature of Vice's planned 24-hour news network?

• It will focus only on American news

• It will be a global news program with multiple languages

• It will be available only in the US

• It will only cover sports

What is a major trend affecting traditional TV according to the discussion?

• The rise of analog television

• The decline of digital networks

• The growth of over-the-top digital networks like Netflix

• The resurgence of radio

How is Vice approaching the coverage of sensitive topics like Ebola?

• By focusing on entertainment aspects

• By ignoring the topic entirely

• By being more conservative and cautious

• By sending more reporters to affected areas

What is a potential innovation Apple could bring to TV?

• A new type of analog TV

• A new print magazine

• Integration of online, broadcast, and cable TV

• A focus on radio content

What strategic move is Vice considering for future growth?

• Merging with traditional TV networks

• Eliminating all digital content

• Exploring an IPO and expanding into mobile

• Focusing solely on print media

What is a major challenge for media companies in the mobile space?

• Difficulty in monetization

• Limited technological advancements

• Lack of audience interest

• Excessive regulation

What is Vice's approach to news consumption trends?

• Only targeting older audiences

• Focusing on the 6:00 o'clock news

• Being platform agnostic and targeting all screens

• Ignoring digital platforms

What is Vice's stance on selling the company?

• They have guaranteed their independence for now

• They are planning to sell soon

• They are merging with a major network

• They are closing down operations