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Speaker
Justin Smith
Co-founder & CEO, Semafor
Justin B. Smith is the Co-Founder and CEO of Semafor, the world’s fastest-growing independent global news company, and the former CEO of Bloomberg Media, where he led the company’s global digital transformation from 2013 to 2022. He previously served as President of Atlantic Media, revitalizing The Atlantic and co-founding Quartz, two of the most influential media brands of the past decade.
He launched Semafor with a mission to create the most transparent, intelligent, and globally trusted news platform for leaders navigating an era of information overload and polarization. Earlier in his career, Justin held senior roles at The Week and The Economist Group, shaping strategy at the intersection of journalism, business, and technology.
At BRIDGE Summit, Justin will share how new technologies and business models are redefining the global news industry,and the membership models that rebuild reader trust. Drawing on his experience launching Semafor and leading Bloomberg and The Atlantic, he’ll offer practical lessons on creating credible journalism in a fragmented information landscape, and designing news products for the next generation of consumers.
USA
Media
Justin Smithat BRIDGE
- Media Fireside 8 December 3:30 - 3:50PM
Media’s New Centers of Gravity
Legacy media no longer holds a monopoly on narrative; rather, independent voices and creators now drive global conversation, often amplified and suppressed by the platforms themselves. According to the 2025 Reuters Institute Digital News Report, social media is a primary news source in many of the 48 markets studied across six continents. But this shift is fueling digital colonialism, where dominant cultures shape local stories, identities, and economies from afar. How can communities reclaim digital sovereignty and ensure their voices remain central to their unique media futures?
Forum Stage
What They Say About BRIDGE
“A landmark gathering that will unite media professionals, policymakers, cultural creators, and global influencers.”
“A gateway for knowledge exchange.”
“A game‑changer for the global media industry”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit”
“We're excited to partner with BRIDGE to create meaningful opportunities for creators and innovators”
