Observed Signal · Oct 5, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: Adweek · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Piers Morgan's Uncensored Launches Paid Subscription Tier
Uncensored, the media company founded by Piers Morgan in February 2024, is launching its first paid subscription product, according to CEO Rashida Jones. The company aims to convert 2-4% of its 4.6 million YouTube subscribers into paying members at $4.99 per month. Starting October 19, the company will offer four weekly newsletters, one for each vertical: Piers Morgan Uncensored, History Uncensored, The Royals Uncensored, and Football Uncensored. A new website will also launch simultaneously, built on the newsletter platform Beehiiv. The move is part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue beyond advertising and to own its audience directly.
This news is relevant to the AdTech industry as it exemplifies a media company's strategy to reduce reliance on ad revenue and build direct audience relationships, potentially affecting their ad inventory and monetization strategies.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Uncensored, founded by Piers Morgan in February 2024, is launching its first paid subscription product.
- The company targets converting 2-4% of its 4.6 million YouTube subscribers to paying members at $4.99 per month.
- Starting October 19, four weekly newsletters will be launched, one for each vertical.
- A new website will be built on the newsletter platform Beehiiv.
- CEO Rashida Jones confirmed the launch as part of a revenue diversification strategy.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Rashida Jones Takes Charge at Piers Morgan's Uncensored
Rashida Jones, the former head of MSNBC, has been appointed CEO of Piers Morgan’s digital-first outlet Uncensored as the site expands. Uncensored has also received new funding from Raine Ventures, Antenna Group and Reuben Brothers. Jones, who left the Versant news outlet in January 2025, praised the platform and said she will work to scale it into a “diverse and profitable network.” The ticker also reports other media industry items: a MacFarlane departure from CBS News; CNN deleting a criticized social post about a New York incident and partnering with Variety for Oscars coverage; CNN announcing premiere dates for two original series; CNBC International hiring Joseph Wilkins and Mike Sheen; and RTDNA naming several journalists as First Amendment Award honorees.
MS NOW Launches Paid Membership Subscription
MS NOW unveiled a direct-to-consumer Membership product, launching Sept. 9 with monthly and annual pricing and introductory discounts, offering members access to exclusive community features, contributor content, verticals, and 24/7 live streams. The Adweek ticker also reports programming additions at ABC News Live, a wrongful-termination lawsuit filed by Samira Said alleging misconduct by Matt Gutman, contract renewals at CNN including Abby Phillip, and several newsroom hires: Felicia Schwartz (MS NOW), Cory Schouten (CNBC), and Ariel Levy joining 60 Minutes as a contributor.
The Telegraph Expands Podcast Strategy Into Video and Memberships
Following its acquisition by Axel Springer, UK publisher The Telegraph is shifting its podcast strategy toward a video-first model, live events, and paid memberships. This pivot aims to build direct audience relationships and reduce reliance on unstable search and social platform referrals. The Telegraph has reported a 161% year-over-year growth in its podcast audience, with daily news shows like 'The Daily T' and 'Ukraine: The Latest' accumulating millions of weekly views on YouTube. To support this expansion, the newsroom has doubled its audio team to over 40 people. Moving forward, the publisher plans to launch additional narrative series, explore standalone podcast subscription options, and launch a YouTube membership program, focusing on audience engagement and loyalty over immediate ad monetization.
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