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July 13, 2023

Podcast 55: Launching in a time of turmoil, with Semafor CEO Justin B Smith

Semafor's Justin B Smith speaks to Press Gazette nine months after the site's launch.

By Charlotte Tobitt

Semafor launched in October last year promising to be the news outlet for the “200 million people who are college educated [and] read in English”.

Nine months on, chief executive Justin B Smith explains to Press Gazette that, while it still wants that audience, in the nearer term Semafor is going to look more like a luxury brand.

Smith also tells the Future of Media Explained podcast why he won’t be spending Semafor’s millions in the bank any time soon – and how the brand’s signature yellow colour harkens to the grandeur of Chinese emperors.

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Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly dose of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
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  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
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  • Head of Department/Function
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Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
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