The roar of the crowd wasn’t for a slam dunk or a power ballad. Instead, more than 6,000 people packed San Francisco’s Chase Center on a Tuesday night to watch Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg tap a live episode of the “Acquired” podcast. It wasn’t just another tech conference; it was a carefully orchestrated media moment that signaled a broader shift in how Silicon Valley’s elite are choosing to engage with the public.
Forget the formality of press conferences and the scrutiny of traditional interviews. Increasingly, tech titans like Zuckerberg are turning to podcasts and online platforms to tell their stories on their own terms. The “Acquired” event, with its $50-plus tickets and star-studded cameos (Jamie Dimon on the big screen, anyone?), demonstrated the growing influence of these powerful new media.
“Acquired,” hosted by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, has become a must-watch for the business world. Their often hours-long deep dives into company stories have attracted a devoted following, including some of the biggest names in tech. That access, combined with the hosts’ deep knowledge and respectful approach, makes podcasts like “Acquired” a desirable alternative to the often-judgmental lens of traditional media.
For Zuckerberg, the event was an opportunity to control the narrative. He spoke candidly about Meta’s journey from its early days to its current challenges, emphasizing resilience and long-term vision. The audience, a mix of tech enthusiasts and industry insiders, absorbed it.
This shift toward direct communication isn’t limited to Zuckerberg. From Elon Musk’s Twitter pronouncements to CEOs gracing podcast microphones, the trend is clear: Silicon Valley is increasingly bypassing traditional information gatekeepers.
While some may lament this shift as a loss of journalistic control, others see it as a democratization of information. Podcasts like “Acquired” offer a level of depth and nuance often absent from traditional media, allowing listeners to form their own opinions.
As for Zuckerberg, his appearance on “Acquired” was a strategic victory. He controlled the message, reached a massive audience, and cemented his image as a visionary leader. In the ever-changing landscape of media and influence, one thing is certain: the tech world listens to podcasts.
