New Tech and AI Media Company Mostly Human Launches with Laurie Segall

Laurie Segall, a former technology correspondent for CNN and CBS News’ 60 Minutes streaming spinoff, has announced the launch of her new media company, Mostly Human. This initiative aims to provide a more human-centered approach to covering the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Vision Behind Mostly Human

Segall expressed her frustration with the current state of tech journalism, stating that despite the overwhelming amount of coverage in the sector, it often lacks depth and fails to address the human impact of technology. “I’ve spent my career covering tech and what’s coming next, kind of at lightning speed, and trying to look at the human impact of that,” she said.

In a media environment where trust in traditional institutions is declining, Segall sees an opportunity to fill the gaps in understanding and education around AI. “We really need cultural literacy around AI,” she emphasized, highlighting the widening education gap in this critical area.

Launch and Initial Offerings

Mostly Human is kicking off with a podcast produced in partnership with iHeartMedia, featuring Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, as the inaugural guest. This podcast will delve into significant topics, including the recent shuttering of Sora and the competitive landscape between OpenAI and its rival, Anthropic. Segall has covered Altman for over a decade and aims to leverage her access to Silicon Valley to create a bridge between technology developers and the general public.

Future Projects and Content Strategy

Segall and her co-founder, Marc Weinhouse, have ambitious plans for Mostly Human. They are developing a variety of projects, including:

• Short-form video content: Designed to resonate with audiences on popular platforms, these videos will serve as entry points to more extensive narratives.
• Long-form documentaries: These will provide in-depth explorations of technology’s impact on society and culture.
• Creator collaborations: Mostly Human aims to work with diverse creators to develop unique programming that aligns with their mission.

Weinhouse noted the importance of making significant stories accessible and engaging, stating, “One of the things kind of born out of Laurie’s frustration with the process and the slow-moving nature of traditional media, is how do we truly break through with the important stories and hide the medicine in the candy.”

Innovative Concepts

One of the innovative ideas Segall mentioned is a true crime series centered around deepfakes. This concept aims to connect an entertaining genre with pressing technological issues, thereby raising awareness about the real-world implications of deepfakes, particularly in educational settings.

“We need to bridge these worlds; this is important for you to know about, but we can create a really entertaining movement that allows people to participate,” Segall explained. The goal is to foster discussions around technology’s societal impact while engaging viewers in a captivating manner.

Empowering Voices in Technology

Mostly Human is also committed to empowering voices that may not be the loudest but are crucial in shaping cultural narratives surrounding technology. Segall emphasized the importance of collective impact and providing a platform for diverse perspectives. “The mission of Mostly Human is covering technology through the human lens, with this idea of collective impact,” she stated.

Addressing the Stakes of Technology

As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Segall believes that it is crucial for society to have a seat at the table. “It feels sometimes like Silicon Valley is playing this high-stakes game of poker, and we don’t have a seat at the table,” she remarked. By amplifying various voices and narratives, Mostly Human aims to give the public a greater understanding of the implications of technological advancements.

Reflecting on the current moment in tech and media, Segall noted, “I think we’re in another moment of chaos, and there’s a lot of opportunity both in technology and in media, to get these narratives out that give us a little bit more agency.”

Conclusion

Laurie Segall’s launch of Mostly Human represents a significant step towards reshaping how technology and AI are covered in media. By focusing on the human aspects of these developments, the company aims to bridge the gap between technology creators and the wider public, fostering greater understanding and engagement in a rapidly changing world.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of October 2023.