I have a prediction for 2025 that I think is inevitable:
Big media conglomerates will start acquiring publishing platforms like Substack. Indie journalists who’ve strayed too far from the trad-media script will be deprioritized in the platforms’ recommendation engines.
People will cry fowl but there won’t be much anyone (in the US) can do about it. I can even see some legislation passed to help these acquisitions in some way. Assuming the media can sweet-talk the President enough to avoid a veto.
Edit: Looks like Elon tried purchasing Substack back in 2023 according to a recent report. 😅