The Historic Self-Destruction of Vice and Buzzfeed w/ Gavin McInnes | Zero Hour Ep. 001
Introduction
In this article‚ we will delve into the self-destruction of Vice and Buzzfeed‚ two of the most prominent new media outlets of our time. We will also be joined by Gavin McInnes‚ the co-founder of Vice‚ to provide an insider’s view of these events. Additionally‚ we will discuss Michael Hastings’ death and how it relates to the dissident left’s disappearance.
The Rise and Fall of Vice and Buzzfeed
Vice and Buzzfeed were once the darlings of new media. They were trendsetters‚ producing edgy and groundbreaking content that no one else dared to touch. However‚ their meteoric rise was followed by an equally rapid fall. What happened?
The Birth of Vice
Vice began as a magazine in 1994‚ but it wasn’t until a decade later that it achieved mainstream success. Co-founders Gavin McInnes and Shane Smith saw an opening in the market for alternative news sources. They focused on covering stories that the mainstream media ignored or didn’t understand.
The Birth and Collapse of Buzzfeed
Buzzfeed‚ on the other hand‚ was founded in 2006 by Jonah Peretti and gained popularity through its relatable listicles and quizzes. However‚ Buzzfeed began to lose credibility when it shifted its focus to more serious news topics. It became known for clickbait headlines and sensationalized stories.
The Self-Destruction
Both Vice and Buzzfeed’s decline can be attributed to their push for growth and expansion. As they grew‚ they compromised their principles and lost sight of their core values. They began to produce watered-down content‚ which was a far cry from the hard-hitting‚ edgy journalism that they were once known for.
The Dissident Left and Michael Hastings
The dissident left was a group of people who were angry about malevolent government‚ corporate corruption‚ and globalization. They sought to challenge the status quo and make a difference through their activism and journalism. One of the most prominent figures of the dissident left was Michael Hastings.
Michael Hastings’ Death
Hastings was a journalist who had helped create a creative nerve center of anti-establishment politics in L.A. He was known for his contributions to the Rolling Stone magazine and his coverage of the Iraq war. However‚ Hastings’ tragic death in a car accident in 201’ cast a shadow over his legacy. The circumstances surrounding his death were suspect‚ and there was no investigation into it.
The Role of Snowden’s Revelations
Hastings’ death occurred shortly after Glenn Greenwald published Snowden’s revelations. Some theories suggest that this connection raised suspicions about Hastings’ death. The journalist himself had expressed fears that he was being watched by the government.
Gavin McInnes’ Views
Gavin McInnes‚ who founded Vice‚ joins the show to delve deeper into the strange concurrence of the death of new media and the dissident left. He still stands by Vice’s early principles of providing alternative news sources and aims to push back against wokeness and identity politics.
The Proud Boys
McInnes also founded the Proud Boys‚ a right-wing group that gained notoriety for its controversial views. However‚ McInnes believes that they are misunderstood and that the group stands for traditional American values‚ like the family and patriotism.
Conclusion
In conclusion‚ the self-destruction of Vice and Buzzfeed is a cautionary tale for all companies seeking growth and expansion. Their decline is a reminder that compromising on principles leads to the loss of authenticity and credibility. Additionally‚ Michael Hastings’ death remains shrouded in mystery‚ and it highlights the importance of protecting the free press and investigative journalism.