This piece nails the way entertainment media has shifted, but it’s interesting how it frames the evolution as something entirely new when, in reality, it’s more of a remix. The parasocial era isn’t just redefining celebrity PR—it’s decentralizing media power itself, making personality-driven content the real currency. The best of these formats work because they’re audience-first, not industry-first. But the question is, does this shift mean traditional journalism and critique get left behind, or can they adapt and coexist with this new wave?
Love this! I could a co-exist scenario is definitely what’s taking shape, and more choice in how we can connect with this type of media is a great thing. But that point about who the media power brokers are, that’s the shift - in a space where the arbiters of discourse are as significant as the discourse itself
Love this piece, and especially the semi-call out to bad press junkets.
You rightfully noted traditional media content tactics “lie detector, red flag, etc.”, and as a movie lover I often see conversation about these same outlets hiring capital I influencers to work the red carpet, often to little actual depth or entertainment.
I think as a whole this obviously echos much of the sentiment around the use of influencers at large. Partner with people who can truly engage or get lost in the noise.
I’m the most familiar with Hot Ones and the often recurring them from guests is: How did you know that? Genuine or not I think celebs get used to same same and are actually engaged when the person across from them is giving them something to connect with.
Great breakdown…“digital” really is the new press circuit that actually results in audience conversion. Legacy press is purely for bragging rights and prestige and to catch a few boomers along the way.
this was so wonderful!! this type of more casual and personal interviews are my favorites, but it also makes me wonder how they fit into the para-social frenzy that often times fans create. as in, the more personal we get with celebrities, the more the lines get blurred. does it give more space to invading their privacy? does it make it feel more justified? as a sport fan I also kinda see it with athletes (hilariously), while before we mostly only saw them in action and in strict interviews, now they also play these 'games' and get much more personal. which is amazing, but also is it connected to raising amount of fan craze a lot of them face? because of this new approach is it easier to assume we 'know' them? and obsess I guess? anyways amazing job I loved loved your piece
Thank you so much Nina! I’m thrilled you liked it and I love your thoughts - especially on where we’ve got to with the concept of parasocial ‘knowing’!
This piece nails the way entertainment media has shifted, but it’s interesting how it frames the evolution as something entirely new when, in reality, it’s more of a remix. The parasocial era isn’t just redefining celebrity PR—it’s decentralizing media power itself, making personality-driven content the real currency. The best of these formats work because they’re audience-first, not industry-first. But the question is, does this shift mean traditional journalism and critique get left behind, or can they adapt and coexist with this new wave?
Love this! I could a co-exist scenario is definitely what’s taking shape, and more choice in how we can connect with this type of media is a great thing. But that point about who the media power brokers are, that’s the shift - in a space where the arbiters of discourse are as significant as the discourse itself
Love this piece, and especially the semi-call out to bad press junkets.
You rightfully noted traditional media content tactics “lie detector, red flag, etc.”, and as a movie lover I often see conversation about these same outlets hiring capital I influencers to work the red carpet, often to little actual depth or entertainment.
I think as a whole this obviously echos much of the sentiment around the use of influencers at large. Partner with people who can truly engage or get lost in the noise.
I’m the most familiar with Hot Ones and the often recurring them from guests is: How did you know that? Genuine or not I think celebs get used to same same and are actually engaged when the person across from them is giving them something to connect with.
Thanks Matt! I love the idea that the celebrities as well as the audience are tired of the old guard
Great breakdown…“digital” really is the new press circuit that actually results in audience conversion. Legacy press is purely for bragging rights and prestige and to catch a few boomers along the way.
Chicken. The nexus point of new entertainment media.
this was so wonderful!! this type of more casual and personal interviews are my favorites, but it also makes me wonder how they fit into the para-social frenzy that often times fans create. as in, the more personal we get with celebrities, the more the lines get blurred. does it give more space to invading their privacy? does it make it feel more justified? as a sport fan I also kinda see it with athletes (hilariously), while before we mostly only saw them in action and in strict interviews, now they also play these 'games' and get much more personal. which is amazing, but also is it connected to raising amount of fan craze a lot of them face? because of this new approach is it easier to assume we 'know' them? and obsess I guess? anyways amazing job I loved loved your piece
Thank you so much Nina! I’m thrilled you liked it and I love your thoughts - especially on where we’ve got to with the concept of parasocial ‘knowing’!
this piece is such a treasure.
Why is so much new media content centered around chicken? 🐔
This was phenomenal! Super sharp analysis and beautifully written.
Thank you so much Florencia! Really looking forward to diving into Cultural Patterns 💕
love love loved this analysis!!
Thank you Kate!!