08-04-2026RAPID RESPONSE

How Byron Allen plans to turn BuzzFeed into a YouTube rival

The media mogul explains why he bought the struggling digital publisher, how video can revive its business, and why Black ownership remains central to his strategy.

[Source Images: Buzzfeed and Getty Images]

When the media mogul Byron Allen took a controlling stake in BuzzFeed in May—becoming its CEO and chairman—it was his latest bold bet in a volatile media landscape. The Allen Media Group founder explains his strategy for BuzzFeed, why YouTube and Netflix aren’t untouchable in the streaming wars, and why race matters in media ownership. (Editor’s note: This interview was recorded before BuzzFeed announced layoffs for 35% of its staff on July 27, 2026.)

This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind........

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