Wall Street Journal Planning Streaming TV Push, Courted Feed’s Emily Sundberg for Show

Streaming plans take shape

Documents described an ambitious slate of streaming programs for the Journal, with launches proposed on its own channels, YouTube and social media. They said the outlet had been in negotiations with Feed Me Substacker Emily Sundberg and The Infatuation, a restaurant discovery platform. Sundberg withdrew from talks a few weeks ago, Business Insider reported.

A person familiar with the Journal’s strategy said the documents outlined one of several options under consideration, not the current status or shape of the effort. The person said the company is actively discussing possible partnerships with outside parties. Business Insider could not confirm the status of talks with The Infatuation or Keteyian.

Proposed shows and guests

One concept, “The Exchange with Emma Tucker,” was described as a prestige interview series intended to put viewers in the room with people who lead the global economy. The documents listed Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink as possible guests.

Another proposed program, “Market Price with The Infatuation,” would examine the business behind taste. The documents said it would bring together The Infatuation’s cultural standing and young audience with the Journal’s business reporting. The Infatuation is owned by JPMorgan Chase.

A broader shift to video

The Journal’s plans reflect a wider push by written-word news organizations, including The New York Times, to expand video. The shift comes as social video grows and cable TV news declines. The Journal also produces a daily news podcast called “The Journal.”

The effort could combine in-house talent, including Tucker, with creators and media partners. The documents said the Journal saw an opportunity to reinvent the category. A source familiar with its strategy did not say whether the projections in the documents remain current.

Investment and possible risks

Using creators and journalists on camera could help attract younger audiences, but it also carries risks. On-camera journalists may seek higher pay or leave to start ventures; the article cited New York Times “Hard Fork” hosts Kevin Roose and Casey Newton as a recent example. Creators may also have audiences that give them leverage with news organizations.