At the Reporters Roundtable, Brad Keoun- former managing editor at CoinDesk and now building a next-generation media platform - offered a mix of sharp insights, industry skepticism, and hard-earned lessons from decades in journalism.

Now working on DRO Media, Brad Keoun represents a growing wave of media professionals transitioning from traditional editorial roles into AI-powered content ecosystems.

A Painful Lesson from the Early Days of Journalism

Long before crypto headlines and AI tools, Brad Keoun's most memorable mistake dates back to 1998, during his time as a newspaper reporter in Florida.

Covering a local talk on the risks of a nuclear-powered spacecraft, he leaned heavily on expert opinions from scientists who dismissed the danger - while giving minimal coverage to the activist raising concerns. Pressed by deadline, he filed the story without fully balancing perspectives.

The result? Public backlash - and an unexpected feature as “Knucklehead of the Month” in a local publication.

The lesson still holds:
Speed without balance can cost credibility.

What Really Wins in Crypto Media?

When asked whether speed, nuance, or clicks dominate crypto journalism, Brad Keoun didn’t overcomplicate it:

Clicks win.

Market-driven stories -  especially those tied to assets like Bitcoin - consistently outperform deeper, more nuanced reporting. In a space where attention is currency, engagement often dictates editorial priorities.

AI in Media: Skepticism Is Fading

Despite assumptions, Brad Keoun isn’t anti-AI - in fact, quite the opposite.

He points to parallels with software development, where AI tools have rapidly gone from controversial to essential. Even top developers are now embracing AI-assisted workflows, and similar shifts are happening in media.

Rather than resisting the change, Brad Keoun is actively building within it.

Introducing “Agentic Press”: A New Media Model

Through DRO Media, Brad Keoun is developing what he calls the “Agentic Press.” The concept:

• An AI-native content management system
• Connected to advanced backend infrastructure (MCP servers)
• Allows users to launch digital publications in just a few clicks

In simple terms, it’s about democratizing media creation - making it faster, easier, and more scalable through automation.

PR Pitches: What Editors Actually Want

Reflecting on his time at CoinDesk, Brad Keoun offered a grounded take on PR agencies.

Unlike many editors, he didn’t ignore press releases - but he believes the overall quality could improve.

His main critique?

• Too much noise, not enough filtering

Better targeting, clearer narratives, and more selective outreach would significantly improve how pitches are received.

Market Sentiment: Observing, Not Predicting

When it comes to crypto markets, Brad Keoun avoids taking strong bullish or bearish positions.

Instead, he approaches the space like a traditional journalist:

“You don’t clap in the press box.”

That said, he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of crypto cycles - where price movements often defy logic, and narratives can shift quickly. External factors like macroeconomics and political influence (such as currency policy) continue to play a role.

Final Thoughts

Brad Keoun's journey - from traditional journalism to AI-driven media - mirrors the broader evolution of the industry itself.

Key takeaways from his perspective:

• Clicks drive crypto media, whether we like it or not
• AI is no longer optional - it’s becoming foundational
• Credibility still depends on balance and accuracy
• The future of media is faster, more automated, and more accessible

As platforms like DRO Media emerge, the line between journalist, creator, and technologist is becoming increasingly blurred. And in that shift, one thing remains constant:
the challenge of telling the right story - at the right time.

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