Cultural Divide: The TV vs. Internet Generation -- Cenk Uygur (Founder & CEO, TYT Network)

All Things Video

Cenk Uygur is the founder and host of the world’s largest online news show “The Young Turks” and CEO of the TYT Network. Cenk has had a long career as a political commentator and blogger, having voiced his opinions on CNN, FOX News, Al Jazeera, Sirius Satellite Radio, NPR, and MSNBC. Prior to launching TYT, Cenk was a lawyer, TV writer, and host. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss what Cenk calls “the greatest cultural divide […] in this country’s history”: those age 35+ that grew up on TV and Millennials that grew up on the Internet. He predicts that the traditional TV business is heading off a cliff because online video has lower costs, no gatekeepers, and more authentic content. We also debate the future of American politics and the two-party system. Cenk argues it’s no longer about “teams” (blind party affiliation) but rather authentic voices and real policy positions. He advocates for a more progressive Democratic agenda and wants to return power to the people by taking big money out of politics. He offers a bold prediction that a strong progressive candidate like Nina Turner will be the next President. Finally, we learn more about Cenk’s entrepreneurial journey. His father, a poor olive farmer in Turkey, moved his family to New Jersey when Cenk was 8 for their pursuit of the American Dream. Cenk shares how these early experiences shaped him and gave him the persistence to build TYT over the past 15 years. Host: James Creech ABOUT THE SHOW All Things Video is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the past and charting the future of the online video ecosystem. Listen to interviews with founders, executives, and thought leaders from the world’s leading video networks and engage in thought-provoking debates about the key issues shaping the next generation of entertainment. From the short-form content revolution to the rise of multi-channel networks (MCNs) and the fragmentation of video viewership in an always-on world, All Things Video reveals the key trends and insights from the world of digital video. Subscribe for new episodes and updates! ABOUT THE HOST James Creech is an entrepreneur focused on technology, online video, and digital media. He is the Co-Founder & CEO of Paladin, the essential creator management platform for next-generation media companies. OUR SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Paladin, the premier technology provider for next-generation media companies. The Paladin platform automates mission critical functions, from creator management and payments to business intelligence and campaigns. Visit paladinsoftware.com to learn more or request a product demo.