Johnny Harris on building a journalism project that doesn't sell out

About this episode

Johnny Harris discusses building a sustainable journalism project on YouTube without compromising integrity.

YouTube creator and Newpress co-founder Johnny Harris joins Mixed Signals to break down how he went from selling his own plasma to running a YouTube channel with over 7 million subscribers. Max and Ben ask Johnny about how he built a sustainable business explaining difficult topics without chasing the outrage that drives so much attention online, and why millions of people are obsessed with longform video explainers. Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media For more from Think with Google, check out ThinkwithGoogle.com. Find us on X: @semaforben, @maxwelltani If you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

People in this episode

Hosts: Max, Ben

Guest: Johnny Harris

Topics covered

• journalism
• YouTube
• sustainable business
• longform video
• media
• content creation

Keywords

• journalism
• YouTube creator
• sustainable business
• longform video explainers
• media project

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Newpress, Semafor Media, Think with Google

More episodes of Mixed Signals from Semafor Media

• Eli Pariser on the end of the feed and how AI will change your morning routine · June 12, 2026 · 50 min
• The “Popcast” hosts on interviewing Taylor Swift, killing the written review, and whether literacy is over · June 5, 2026 · 59 min
• Bret Baier on golfing with Trump, his 2028 predictions, and making the case for civility · May 29, 2026 · 42 min
• Audie Cornish & Ari Shapiro’s journey from radio to podcasts — and what amateurs can learn from pros · May 22, 2026 · 46 min
• Joe Weisenthal on the business of business media and why AI won’t replace podcasters · May 19, 2026 · 43 min
• Flynn McGarry on growing up as a food prodigy and the waning power of restaurant reviews · May 15, 2026 · 42 min