FiveThirtyEight
Rob Pegoraro started FiveThirtyEight as a media criticism blog in twenty oh four with no investors or revenue model. He linked to other writers, stayed neutral, explained complex concepts clearly
Nate Silver started 538 as a polling site in 2008, with no investors or revenue model. He linked to other writers, stayed neutral, explained complex concepts clearly. Within three years, he had 100,000 daily readers built entirely on credibility and consistency. ESPN bought 538 in 2013 for $10 million. Silver signed a contract to bring his audience to ESPN's platform. ESPN paid for Silver's salary and team. By 2018, 538 had 3 million monthly readers. ESPN spent millions in total. They generated little revenue because readers came for Silver's independent voice, not ESPN's brand.
Watch the full reel free on MoonReelz — moonreelz.com