264: 5 Big Lessons About AI, Newsletters, and Digital Business from the New Media Summit
If you’ve ever wondered whether newsletters still matter in an AI-driven world, this conversation might completely change the way you think about owned media, monetization, and the future of digital business.
In this episode, I’m sharing a special roundtable conversation with a group of female founders who attended the New Media Summit in Austin with me.
We unpack our biggest takeaways...from AI clones and the future of content creation to why newsletters are becoming one of the most powerful owned assets in a digital business.
One theme came up again and again: the importance of building platforms you actually own. Newsletters, communities, and direct audience relationships are becoming increasingly valuable as social media algorithms continue to shift.
We also discuss how AI is rapidly transforming how creators produce content and scale their businesses. As one speaker shared, the question isn’t whether to use A, it’s how we’ll use it to maintain our competitive advantage.
This conversation also reinforced something I’ve been teaching for years: newsletters are more than just marketing tools. They can become real products and meaningful revenue streams through sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising.
What You’ll Learn
Why newsletters are becoming one of the most valuable owned media assets in your business
How AI tools like voice clones are changing podcasting and content creation
The role paid advertising plays in growing large newsletter audiences
Why community and human connection matter even more in an AI-driven world
How founders are monetizing newsletters through sponsorships and partnerships
A simple strategy for gathering audience data when people join your email list
Why thinking of your newsletter as a product, not just a marketing tool, can change your revenue potential
This conversation left me energized, not just about newsletters, but about the future of digital business.
The biggest reminder?
The tools may evolve, but we’re still serving real people.
Listen in and let me know what takeaway resonated with you most.
Mentioned in this episode:
Guest Resources & Free Gifts
Several of the founders who joined this roundtable generously shared free resources for listeners who want to go deeper into the topics we discussed.
Monica Froese – Empowered Business™
Monica Froese is a digital product strategist and AI educator helping entrepreneurs scale with digital products and e-commerce shops.
Free Resource: Email Engagement Elixir GPT
Where to find Monica: Website
Kate Kordsmeier – Success with Soul
Kate Kordsmeier is a certified life and business coach who helps entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable, soul-aligned businesses without relying on social media.
Free Resource: Algorithms Anonymous: A 12-Step Recovery Plan to Replace Algorithm Anxiety with Sustainable Sales
Where to find Kate: Website
Natalie Gingrich – The Ops Authority
Natalie Gingrich is an operations mentor and host of The Ops Authority Podcast. Her company trains women to become strategic operations leaders for small businesses.
Free Resource: How to Define (or Refine) Your Mission, Vision, and Values for Your Business
Where to find Natalie: Website
Kelly Snyder – Adore Your Wardrobe
Kelly Snyder is an online fashion educator and body type expert who teaches women how to dress their unique bodies using formulas based in math and science.
Free Resource: Body Type Calculator: Learn the Best Way to Dress Your Shape
Where to find Kelly: Website
AI, Newsletters, and the Future of Digital Business: 5 Lessons
If you’ve ever wondered whether newsletters still matter in an AI-driven world, the answer is clear: they matter more than ever.
At the recent New Media Summit in Austin, creators, publishers, and digital entrepreneurs gathered to discuss what’s changing in the media landscape—and what’s staying the same.
I attended the event along with several female founders, and afterward we sat down for a roundtable conversation to unpack our biggest takeaways.
The discussions covered everything from AI clones and paid advertising to why owned media assets like newsletters are becoming one of the most valuable parts of a digital business.
Here are the five biggest lessons we walked away with.
1. Newsletters Are Arguably One of the Most Valuable Owned Media Assets
One of the strongest themes at the New Media Summit was the growing importance of owned media.
Owned media refers to platforms that you control—such as:
Email newsletters
Podcasts
Online communities
Membership platforms
Unlike social media platforms, these channels allow you to communicate directly with your audience without relying on algorithms.
For creators and digital entrepreneurs, this shift is becoming increasingly important.
Social media platforms change constantly. Algorithms fluctuate. Reach can disappear overnight.
But when you own your email list, you control the relationship with your audience.
This is why many successful creators are investing heavily in newsletter growth.
Instead of treating email as a simple marketing tool, they’re building newsletter-first businesses where the content itself drives engagement and revenue.
2. AI Is Transforming How Creators Produce Content
Another major topic throughout the conference was the rapid evolution of AI tools for content creation.
One of the most surprising sessions explored the idea of AI voice clones.
These tools allow creators to train AI models on their voice and generate audio recordings from written scripts.
For example, a creator could:
Write a podcast script
Feed it into an AI voice tool
Publish an episode without recording audio
While some attendees were initially skeptical, many began to see practical use cases.
AI doesn’t replace creators—but it can help scale their ideas.
For busy entrepreneurs who struggle to maintain consistent content schedules, AI tools may provide a way to:
Repurpose written content into audio
Produce podcast episodes faster
Create additional content formats
The key takeaway: AI isn’t going away. The question is how creators will use it strategically.
3. Large Publishers Grow Primarily Through Paid Advertising
One of the more surprising insights from the event was how large newsletters grow their audiences.
Many publishers with millions of subscribers rely heavily on paid advertising.
Some spend hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars annually to acquire subscribers.
For smaller creators, that might sound unrealistic. But the takeaway isn’t that everyone needs massive ad budgets.
Instead, it highlights an important shift:
Organic growth alone may not always be enough.
Today’s most successful creators often combine:
Organic content
Partnerships
Cross-promotions
Newsletter sponsorships
Paid advertising
Together, these strategies create more predictable audience growth.
Even modest ad budgets can help creators accelerate their reach.
4. Newsletters Are Becoming Powerful Revenue Streams
Another key insight from the New Media Summit was that newsletters can generate revenue directly.
Traditionally, creators used email primarily to sell products like courses, memberships, or coaching.
But many publishers now monetize their newsletters themselves.
Common newsletter revenue streams include:
Sponsorships
Brands pay to be featured in newsletters that reach their target audience.
Advertising
Publishers sell ad placements within their newsletter content.
Affiliate Partnerships
Creators recommend products and earn commissions when subscribers make purchases.
Paid Newsletter Subscriptions
Some creators offer premium content behind a paywall.
For many digital entrepreneurs, this represents a major opportunity.
If you’re already sending regular emails to your audience, your newsletter may already be an underutilized asset.
5. Community Matters More Than Ever in an AI World
With so much conversation around AI and automation, one message remained clear:
Human connection still matters.
In fact, it may matter even more as technology advances.
Many of the most valuable moments at the New Media Summit didn’t happen during formal presentations.
They happened in the hallways, at lunch tables, and during casual conversations.
These interactions sparked new ideas, partnerships, and collaborations.
In a world where AI can generate content instantly, what often stands out most is authentic human perspective.
For creators, this means community can become a powerful differentiator.
Examples include:
Private communities
Membership groups
Events and meetups
Interactive newsletters
Audience conversations
These experiences help deepen relationships with your audience.
And those relationships are often what drive long-term business growth.
What This Means for Digital Product Entrepreneurs
If you run a digital product business, the lessons from the New Media Summit highlight several important trends.
First, creators should prioritize building owned audiences.
Relying entirely on social platforms creates unnecessary risk.
Second, AI tools will continue changing how content is produced and distributed.
Creators who learn to use these tools effectively will likely gain an advantage.
Third, newsletters are evolving beyond simple marketing channels.
They are becoming strategic assets capable of generating both audience growth and revenue.
Final Thoughts
The biggest takeaway from the New Media Summit is that while technology evolves quickly, the fundamentals of business remain the same.
Creators still need to:
Build audiences
Deliver value
Develop trust with their communities
AI may change how we work, but it doesn’t change the fact that we are still serving real people.
For entrepreneurs building digital businesses today, focusing on owned media, strategic technology use, and authentic connection will likely remain essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Media Summit?
The New Media Summit is an event focused on creators, publishers, and entrepreneurs who are building audiences through digital media such as podcasts, newsletters, and online platforms.
Why are newsletters important for digital businesses?
Newsletters allow creators to communicate directly with their audience without relying on social media algorithms. They also provide opportunities for monetization through sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising.
Can newsletters really generate revenue?
Yes. Many creators monetize newsletters through sponsorships, advertising placements, affiliate partnerships, and paid subscriptions.
How is AI affecting content creation?
AI tools are helping creators produce content faster by assisting with research, writing, editing, and audio production. However, human insight and perspective remain essential.
Should creators rely on social media for audience growth?
Social media can help grow an audience, but relying solely on social platforms can be risky. Many creators prioritize building owned platforms like newsletters and communities.
Key Takeaways
Newsletters are arguably one of the most valuable owned media assets for creators
AI tools are transforming how content is produced and distributed
Paid advertising plays a significant role in growing large newsletter audiences
Newsletters can generate revenue through sponsorships and advertising
Community and human connection remain essential in an AI-driven world
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Episode 264: 5 Big Lessons About AI and Newsletters from the New Media Summit
Creator's MBA Podcast with Dr. Destini Copp
Episode Transcript
Introduction
Dr. Destini Copp:
Welcome to the Creator's MBA Podcast, your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of digital product entrepreneurship.
My name is Dr. Destini Copp, and I help business owners generate consistent revenue from their digital product businesses without needing to be glued to their desks, constantly live launching, or worrying about social media algorithms.
I hope you enjoy today’s episode.
Roundtable: New Media Summit Takeaways
Hi there—Destini here. I’m excited to bring you something a little different for today’s episode.
I recently attended the New Media Summit in Austin, Texas, and today I’m joined by a group of incredible female founders who were there with me. We’re sharing our biggest takeaways from the event—from AI clones and newsletter monetization to the future of digital media.
Before we jump in, I want to share something Kate Ahl wrote after the event. She said:
“I could have gotten most of this information from ChatGPT. But what I got at the conference was people’s unique perspectives, the conversations in the room, and the real tests people had tried. That’s what informs strategy.”
That really sets the stage for this conversation.
Meet the Panel
Natalie Gingrich
Natalie Gingrich:
Thank you for bringing us together, Destini. This was such a fun experience.
I’m Natalie Gingrich, CEO and founder of The Ops Authority. We run an education company where we certify and train strategists, consultants, and directors of operations.
My word for the summit would be clarity.
Kelly Snyder
Kelly Snyder:
Hi everyone. I’m Kelly Snyder, founder of Adore Your Wardrobe, an online fashion education company.
We teach women how to dress their unique body types using formulas based in math and science.
My word for the summit is optimistic.
Monica Froese
Monica Froese:
Hi everyone. I’m Monica Froese and I run two brands.
The first is Empowered Business, where I help content creators turn their content into high-converting digital products.
My second brand is Redefining Mom, which began as a working mom blog and has evolved into a resource hub—especially around AI.
My word for the event would be friendships.
Kate Kordsmeier
Kate Kordsmeier:
Hi everyone. I’m Kate Kordsmeier, founder of Success With Soul.
We help online business owners grow their businesses without relying on social media.
My word for the event is owned—as in owned media and owned assets versus renting attention on social media platforms.
Jodi Bourne
Jodi Bourne:
Hi everyone. I’m Jodi Bourne, a vacation rental consultant.
I help Airbnb owners, boutique hotel owners, and vacation rental hosts elevate their brands through marketing and brand strategy.
My word for the summit is validating.
Dr. Destini Copp
Dr. Destini Copp:
And I’ll wrap up the introductions.
I’m Dr. Destini Copp. I run two brands.
My B2C brand is HobbyScool, where we host online learning experiences and virtual summits around hobbies.
Through my personal brand, I help digital product entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
My word for the summit was energized.
First Impressions from the Summit
Dr. Destini Copp:
Let’s start with first impressions. What surprised you most about the event?
AI Clones and Content Creation
Natalie Gingrich:
I’ll start. The AI clone discussion really surprised me.
Honestly, the concept initially scared me, but by the end of the session I realized there might actually be practical applications.
Monica Froese:
I had the same experience. I’m not sure I’m ready to publish AI-generated video versions of myself yet, but using AI voice tools to create podcast episodes from scripts felt incredibly practical.
It could help creators stay consistent even when time is limited.
Getting Outside the “Coaching Bubble”
Kate Kordsmeier:
One thing I really appreciated was hearing from people outside the coaching industry.
Many speakers were publishers and creators with millions of subscribers. That perspective was refreshing.
Audience Growth and Advertising
Jodi Bourne:
What surprised me most was how much paid advertising drives audience growth.
Many speakers talked about spending hundreds of thousands—or even millions—on ads.
That really reframed how I think about scaling audiences.
The Most Powerful Insight from the Conference
One of the most impactful sessions for many attendees was the fireside chat with Ryan Deiss.
Natalie Gingrich:
Ryan Deiss shared something incredibly transparent.
He said that 80% of his business disappeared within 18 months due to industry shifts.
But instead of resisting change, he adapted.
That honesty was incredibly powerful.
Jodi Bourne:
One of the things he said really stuck with me:
“99.9% of the world is not subscribed to your newsletter.”
That reminder helps you stop worrying about unsubscribes and focus on reaching new audiences.
Why Newsletters Are Becoming Powerful Business Assets
A major theme at the New Media Summit was the evolving role of newsletters.
Instead of simply being marketing tools, many creators are building entire businesses around them.
Kate Kordsmeier:
For me, the biggest shift was thinking about the newsletter itself as the product.
Instead of just using it to promote offers, it can generate revenue through:
Sponsorships
Partnerships
Advertising
Affiliate promotions
Dr. Destini Copp:
That idea aligns with something I’ve been teaching for years: newsletters can be incredibly powerful when structured strategically.
AI and the Future of Content Creation
AI was another major theme throughout the conference.
Many speakers discussed how AI tools can help creators scale their content production.
Monica Froese:
AI is changing the way we create content.
But the key takeaway for me was this: we’re still selling to humans.
The technology may change, but buying psychology doesn’t.
Rapid-Fire Takeaways
To wrap up the conversation, everyone shared one key action they’re taking after the summit.
Kelly Snyder:
My biggest takeaway is the importance of community. Building real relationships with your audience is more important than ever.
Kate Kordsmeier:
I’m exploring newsletter sponsorships and new ways to monetize my email list.
Monica Froese:
I’m focusing on adapting to new technologies while remembering that we’re still serving real people.
Natalie Gingrich:
My focus is AI-ifying my intellectual property so I can scale it more effectively.
Jodi Bourne:
I’m experimenting with paid advertising again, especially using Meta’s newer AI-powered ad tools.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Destini Copp:
Thank you all so much for joining this conversation and sharing your insights from the New Media Summit.
If you’d like to learn more about the frameworks we discussed—especially around newsletters—be sure to check out the Newsletter Profit Club.
You’ll find the link in the show notes.
Outro
Thanks for listening all the way to the end.
If you enjoyed the show, I’d appreciate a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform.
Have a great rest of your day—and bye for now.