Digital Social Hour – Episode 1136: Why Independent Media Will Overtake Corporates by 2030 | Sage Steele

Release Date: January 23, 2025

In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a candid and thought-provoking dialogue with renowned broadcaster Sage Steele. The conversation delves deep into the evolving landscape of media, contrasting the traditional corporate-driven models with the burgeoning independent media sector. Through personal anecdotes, insightful analyses, and robust discussions, Sean and Sage explore the factors poised to propel independent media to prominence by 2030.

1. Transition from Corporate to Independent Media

Sage Steele shares her personal journey transitioning from a 29-year tenure in corporate media to embracing the independent media realm. She highlights the stark differences in operational freedom and the ability to express personal opinions without the stringent constraints typical of corporate environments.

[04:05] Sage: "It's so, so weird. I'm still getting used to it because I think you're trained, honestly, as we should be as journalists, to focus on the story, focus on your job, which does not involve your opinion. And now all of a sudden, I'm saying what I think, and that's really weird."

Sean Kelly echoes Sage’s sentiment, emphasizing the liberation that comes with independent media, where content creators are no longer beholden to corporate agendas.

[04:50] Sean: "It just took a long time. Like you're a lifetime ahead of me. It's awesome. Like once you can not care. Honestly, like, anything is possible."

2. Challenges in Corporate Media

The duo delves into the systemic issues plaguing corporate media, particularly focusing on the lack of accountability among major players like Disney-owned ESPN and ABC. They discuss how corporate mandates, such as vaccine requirements, have strained relationships with employees and fueled distrust among audiences.

[03:58] Sage: "And that's because of what California was not doing to help. You can't prevent them fully, but you can be prepared."

Sean recounts his experience with the vaccine mandate at ESPN, expressing the emotional and professional turmoil it caused.

[19:25] Sean: "I was afraid of taking something that I didn't know enough about... but I knew I needed the job. I wanted the job, and I love my job, too. But I also needed it."

3. The Rise of Independent Media and Podcasts

Sean and Sage analyze the meteoric rise of podcasts and independent media ventures, citing examples like Megyn Kelly’s streaming success and Joe Rogan’s immense podcast viewership. They argue that podcasts offer a more authentic and flexible platform, free from the bureaucratic red tape that stifles innovation in corporate media.

[15:10] Sage: "Look what Megyn Kelly's done... her little streaming show blew MSNBC out of the water."

[15:24] Sage: "Pretty amazing. Remember when Rogan did Trump and it was a million an hour? It's nuts."

Sean predicts a paradigm shift where independent media not only rival but surpass traditional media in influence and audience engagement by 2030.

[15:29] Sage: "Memory when Rogan did Trump and it was a million an hour... It's nuts."

4. Social Media Harassment and Mental Health

The conversation shifts to the pervasive issue of online harassment. Both hosts candidly discuss their battles with hate on social platforms, acknowledging the psychological toll it takes. They explore the root causes, attributing much of the negativity to personal insecurities and envy.

[07:46] Sean: "I've had death threats... All because I have different opinions from them."

[05:11] Sean: "Mr. Beast gets hate. It's saving lives, you know, like it's inevitable."

Sage offers a perspective on handling hate, emphasizing resilience and the inevitability of criticism in the public eye.

[05:02] Sage: "People are gonna hate no matter what you do."

5. Diversity and Personal Identity

Diversity emerges as a significant theme, with Sage sharing her experiences as a biracial woman navigating societal expectations and prejudices. They discuss the complexities of identity, the importance of embracing all facets of one's heritage, and the societal struggles faced by multiracial individuals.

[09:03] Sage: "As a Biracial woman, I'm proud of all of me, not just half of me."

[09:14] Sage: "I'm not here without them. People don't like it. If I said I'm all black, then it's fine. But if I say I'm half white, because I am, people can't handle it."

6. The Role of Sports in Society

Sean reminisces about his childhood aspirations to work for ESPN, driven by his belief in sports as a unifying force transcending race, religion, and politics. They discuss the evolving role of sports in the contemporary media landscape, noting how figures like Stephen A. Smith have blurred the lines between sports commentary and political discourse.

[12:05] Sage: "Sports was a unifier. Sports brought people together and your race, your religion... nothing matters when it comes to a football Sunday."

[13:18] Sage: "Stephen A. is a unicorn... he's the hardest working person I've ever been around."

Sean underscores the timeless appeal of sports in fostering community and bridging divides, despite the increasing politicization of athletic platforms.

[12:22] Sean: "That's why sports is so important. Think about coming out of COVID... people needed that escape."

7. Family and Parenting

The hosts delve into personal narratives surrounding family dynamics and parenting roles. Sage reflects on her upbringing in a military household, emphasizing the balance of discipline and affection. They discuss the impact of parental divorce, the significance of being present for children’s milestones, and the evolving societal expectations of fathers and mothers.

[28:08] Sage: "I think there's something to that because... my father was leaving you out... and it's a tough."

[29:04] Sean: "It's priceless to have your kids involved in sports... it's about teamwork."

Sean shares heartfelt insights into the importance of presence and support in parenting, contrasting his own experiences with Sage’s.

[36:27] Sage: "They were physically beaten up growing up on a farm... he never got that closure because his parents ended up passing away."

8. Navigating Personal Challenges and Faith

Sage opens up about her struggles with vaccine mandates and the professional repercussions she faced, highlighting the difficult choices media professionals are compelled to make in corporate settings. Additionally, she touches upon the role of faith and spirituality in overcoming personal and professional hurdles.

[43:06] Sage: "I don't question much. It's been really healthy."

[43:13] Sage: "I love Jesus, but I cuss a little... I've let go of control and been grounded and prayed."

Sean supports Sage’s reflections, acknowledging the strength found in faith and personal belief systems amidst adversity.

[43:37] Sage: "It's a form of manifestation, right?"

9. Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode draws to a close, Sean and Sage reiterate their optimism for the future of independent media. They encourage aspiring content creators to embrace authenticity, resilience, and the unique opportunities that independent platforms offer. The hosts emphasize the critical role that independent media will play in shaping public discourse, fostering diverse voices, and challenging the hegemony of corporate media by 2030.

[50:58] Sean: "You're doing well. I'm learning a lot when you work just in corporate TV forever, and then it's like, wait, I have to do what?"

[51:13] Sage: "Check her out, guys. See you next time. Awesome."

Notable Quotes

• Sage Steele [04:05]: "I'm saying what I think, and that's really weird."

• Sean Kelly [05:11]: "Mr. Beast gets hate. It's saving lives, you know, like it's inevitable."

• Sage Steele [09:03]: "As a Biracial woman, I'm proud of all of me, not just half of me."

• Sage Steele [12:05]: "Sports was a unifier. Sports brought people together and your race, your religion... nothing matters when it comes to a football Sunday."

• Sage Steele [28:08]: "I think there's something to that because... my father was leaving you out... and it's a tough."

• Sage Steele [43:13]: "I love Jesus, but I cuss a little... I've let go of control and been grounded and prayed."

Key Takeaways

• Independent Media Growth: The shift towards independent media is accelerated by the increasing audience distrust in corporate media, technological advancements, and the desire for authentic, unfiltered content.

• Corporate Media Challenges: Issues such as lack of accountability, restrictive mandates, and political entanglements hinder corporate media's ability to adapt and retain both talent and audience.

• Podcasting and Personalization: Podcasts offer a personalized platform that connects deeply with audiences, fostering loyalty and engagement that traditional media struggles to match.

• Diversity and Representation: Embracing diverse identities enriches media narratives and resonates with a broader audience, challenging existing stereotypes and biases.

• Mental Health and Online Harassment: The omnipresence of hate and harassment on social media poses significant mental health challenges for public figures, necessitating resilience and support systems.

• Family Dynamics: Traditional family roles and the importance of presence and support in parenting remain pivotal in personal fulfillment and societal stability.

• Faith and Resilience: Personal faith and spirituality can provide strength and guidance in navigating professional and personal adversities.

Digital Social Hour continues to illuminate the transformative shifts in media and society through insightful conversations with influential figures. This episode with Sage Steele offers a nuanced exploration of the trajectory towards independent media supremacy, underscoring the interplay between personal experiences and broader industry trends.