The New York Times' top editor explains why its new push into video is a 'race against time'
A new push into video is "as big a transformation as the print-to-digital transformation," New York Times Executive Editor Joe Kahn tells me.
A new push into video is "as big a transformation as the print-to-digital transformation," New York Times Executive Editor Joe Kahn tells me. This re
Read Full Story at Business Insider Mkt →Why This Matters
The New York Times' aggressive pivot into video represents more than just a format shift—it signals a strategic gamble to reclaim dominance in a media landscape where attention is increasingly fragmented. As traditional journalism faces existential threats from social media algorithms and short-form content, the Times' move underscores how legacy institutions must adapt or risk irrelevance, even as they risk diluting their core brand.
Background Context
The print-to-digital transition forced newspapers into a decade-long identity crisis, but the shift to video is a different beast altogether. Unlike text, video demands higher production costs, faster turnaround, and a different kind of audience trust—one that’s harder to earn in an era of viral misinformation and fleeting engagement. The Times’ late entry into this space reflects both its cautious approach to change and the growing realization that even elite journalism must chase the algorithm.
What Happens Next
Expect a fierce battle for talent, as the Times competes with digital-native outlets like Vox and BuzzFeed for creators who can balance speed with credibility. The real test will be whether the paper can monetize this shift without alienating its paying subscribers, who may bristle at ads interrupting long-form video. Meanwhile, competitors like The Washington Post and The Atlantic will be watching closely—if the Times succeeds, it could spark a new arms race in multimedia journalism.
Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one newspaper’s survival; it’s a microcosm of how legacy media must evolve to compete in a post-text world. The push into video mirrors the broader fragmentation of news consumption, where platforms like TikTok and YouTube dictate what gets seen—and by whom. For institutions built on depth over virality, the challenge isn’t just adapting, but doing so without losing the very qualities that once made them indispensable.
