Next in Media spoke to Tim Huelskamp, founder and CEO of 1440 Media, about how the company built a media business of 3 million plus daily readers by focusing on non partisan news and treating a newsletter like a direct to consumer brand.

Tim discusses the history and mission of the daily email newsletter. He explains how 1440 aims to provide comprehensive and non-partisan news to busy professionals who want to stay informed across various topics. Tim shares insights into the company's business model, including their focus on unit economics and paid growth. He also discusses the value of attention and the importance of brand safety in working with advertisers. Tim explores the potential for expansion into new areas and verticals, as well as the future of newsletters in the creator economy.

Takeaways

• 1440 aims to provide comprehensive and non-partisan news to busy professionals across various topics.

• The company focuses on unit economics and paid growth to monetize their audience and ensure profitability.

• Brand safety is a priority for 1440, and they work with advertisers who value their brand-safe environment.

• The future of newsletters is promising, with the potential for more creators utilizing the medium to share knowledge and engage with their audience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Birth of 1440

06:00 The Need for Comprehensive and Non-Partisan News

09:00 Business Model and Growth Strategy

12:00 The Importance of Unit Economics

15:00 Paid Growth and the Value of Attention

18:00 Working with Advertisers and Brand Safety

21:00 Expanding into New Areas and Verticals

24:00 The Future of Newsletters and the Creator Economy

29:00 Closing Remarks

Guest: Tim Huelskamp

Host: Mike Shields

How one news brand is thriving amidst a digital publishing meltdown