Welcome to Season 5 of the Anchor Change podcast! For the next few months, I’m excited to engage in conversations about Gen Z, artificial intelligence, and, of course, politics. For my first episode, I’m talking to Cory Ondrejka, the chief technology officer of SmartNews, where we explore the intersections of technology, creativity, and community. We also reflect on our shared experiences in Madison, Wisconsin.

We cover Cory’s early career in tech, including his time at Second Life and Facebook, and the lessons learned about product development and user engagement. The conversation shifts to the challenges of news consumption in a polarized environment, introducing NewsArc as a solution aimed at improving how people access and engage with news. We delve into the complexities of political bias in journalism and the growing trend of news avoidance, emphasizing the need for intentionality in news consumption. Looking ahead, Cory shares his vision for the future of news and technology, advocating for a respectful and engaging news ecosystem.

Here’s what we cover:

* Roots in Madison: A Journey Through Time

* Navigating the Digital Landscape: Early Career Insights

* Reflections on Facebook: Lessons from the Past

* Innovating News Consumption: The Birth of NewsArc

* Addressing Political Bias in News

* Understanding News Avoidance: Trends and Insights

* Looking Ahead: The Future of News and Technology

Hope you enjoy!

Download the NewsArc app here.

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