Brews News Week #451 Brews News News

·1 hr·5 clips

Matt Kirkegaard announces he's retiring from beer writing and shutting down Brews News after 20 years.

The episode opens with host Matt Kirkegaard announcing his retirement from beer writing and the closure of Brews News, which he founded 20 years ago. He cites personal exhaustion, the demanding nature of the industry, and the inability to scale the business to allow for breaks. Matt reveals the decision was finalized recently, leading to delayed publication of the episode. He discusses attempts to find a successor, including approaching journalist James Atkinson, but no viable custodian was found. Ian Watson, a brewer, and Sabrina Coons, Head of Industry Development for the Independent Brewers Association, join as guests to question Matt. Ian asks about the hardest stories to write, prompting Matt to mention equity crowdfunding issues where brewery owners show contempt for investors, which hastened his departure. Sabrina highlights Brews News's role as a factual record for the industry, questioning if it can continue without Matt. Matt explains the economic challenges of investigative journalism, noting that deep dives into corporate reports like Mighty Craft's take hours but don't generate direct revenue. He describes the reliance on promotional content from sponsors, which listeners often criticize, creating a cycle that undermines sustainability. The conversation shifts to the future of beer journalism, with Matt noting that other outlets like Crafty Pint focus on celebration rather than tough questions. He expresses hope for the industry, urging support for the IBA and younger leaders, while acknowledging beer's enduring appeal despite current challenges. Matt shares his personal plans, indicating he may leave the industry professionally but remain a passionate consumer. The episode concludes with thanks to long-term sponsors and a call to support the brewing community.

As heard by us

A brewing trade discussion turns a delayed announcement into a candid case for supporting industry journalism.

Brews News Week #451 begins with a delayed publication linked to an announcement, then settles into a frank discussion about the cost of doing industry reporting properly.

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Why you'd press play

You want the story behind a late Brews News Week episode and the economics that keep careful beer reporting alive.

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