Inside Politico’s franchise playbook for Playbook

At nearly two decades old, Politico's Playbook was an innovator in the now-familiar daily agenda-setting newsletter. Playbook is now more than a DC staple. It has editions in five countries with two more on the way. And it is looking to adopt a franchise model with multimedia and events extensions. Politico executive editor for Europe Kate Day joined the show to discuss the formula that makes Playbook work: the mix of exclusive reporting, service journalism, and a tone that feels like a letter from your smartest friend in politics. She talks about what stays consistent across cultures, what has to change, and why the Brussels political bubble turns out to be just as full of compelling characters as Capitol Hill.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Welcome

• 00:47 TRB in Cannes

• 01:27 Beehiiv Spot

• 03:02 Conversation with Kate

• 06:07 Playbook Goes Global

• 10:17 Localizing the Formula

• 14:28 Axel Springer Integration

• 17:58 Brand and Hosts

• 25:21 Franchise Beyond Newsletter

• 28:01 Building The Pub

• 30:24 Breakfasts Vs Drinks

• 32:47 Designing Playbook Summits

• 35:06 Video And Streaming Push

• 37:52 Newsletter Saturation Limits

• 41:19 Choosing New Markets

• 45:29 AI In The Newsroom