Is it the case that Disney tried and failed to scale 538? Or is 538 merely the victim of a business cycle leading to broad layoffs across media and tech? Perhaps they think it can serve its purpose — data for politics and sports — at lower cost?
Both, I think! The macro environment is the proximate cause of the layoffs, but FiveThirtyEight's lack of scale likely made it a good candidate for cuts. Had it either been a more profitable business or had a clearer path to growth, Disney likely would've tried to protect it.
P.S. I love this Substack! Please keep them coming!!
Is it the case that Disney tried and failed to scale 538? Or is 538 merely the victim of a business cycle leading to broad layoffs across media and tech? Perhaps they think it can serve its purpose — data for politics and sports — at lower cost?
Both, I think! The macro environment is the proximate cause of the layoffs, but FiveThirtyEight's lack of scale likely made it a good candidate for cuts. Had it either been a more profitable business or had a clearer path to growth, Disney likely would've tried to protect it.