Back

Media Extinction or Evolution: If Tech is Eating Journalism, Who’s Watching the Watchdogs?

Colissions Stage
As independent journalism crumbles and AI-generated content floods the internet, who’s left to hold power to account? Tech platforms now control distribution, algorithms decide what’s newsworthy, and audiences are drowning in noise. If legacy media is dying, what replaces it - a decentralised, crowd-sourced truth? A world where narratives are dictated by those who shout the loudest? Or can journalism evolve and fight back? This high-stakes debate unpacks the friction between media and technology, exploring whether startups should care about the collapse of traditional journalism - or if they should seize the moment to control their own narratives. Who wins, who loses, and what happens when the watchdogs need watching?

Session Speakers

Bronwen Clune

Bronwen joined Capital Brief after 15 years in media, startups, and government innovation. A founding team member at Culture Amp, she brings deep expertise in fostering innovation and growth.

Helen Zhang

Based in Washington DC, Helen co-founded Intrigue Media. She has worked in venture, diplomacy, tech policy, and law—and was once a B-grade dog influencer.

Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is founder of Mumbrella and Unmade, co-host of MediaLand on ABC Radio National, and author of Media Unmade. A 30+ year media veteran, he’s a multi-award-winning journalist and publisher.

Lauren Meisner

Lauren Meisner is the founder of Centennial World, an award-winning youth media brand reaching 15M Gen Zs monthly. It helps brands connect with young audiences through creator economy insights and digital-first strategy.

More sessions
Foundations Stage

Ambition Without Burnout: How to Achieve Big Goals Without Destroying Yourself

Kev Jochelson
This fast-paced session helps founders align personal goals with business direction, tackling the friction that derails startups. Expect exercises, tools, and frameworks to turn inner drive into strategic momentum.
Foundations Stage

The Crucible: How to Fight Smarter & Turn Conflict into Connection

May Samali
Master the art of conflict in The Crucible workshop with May Samali. Learn when to engage, how to fight smarter, and turn tension into trust for stronger decisions, teams, and partnerships.
Colissions Stage

Unlearning to Learn: Psychedelics, Pilgrimage & Radical Insight

Nicholas Ingate, Dave Murphy, Patrycja Slawuta, Amy Firth, Stuart McMinn, May Samali
Explore unconventional learning methods—immersion, intuition, altered states, and indigenous wisdom—in this thought-provoking panel. Discover how to develop rare knowledge, originality, and a true competitive edge beyond traditional education.