The Aspen Times: ‘Audible Upset the Literary World

The Aspen Times in June 2023 covered Don’s discussion with renowned physicist Brian Greene at the Aspen Ideas festival. During the talk, Don focused on the founding of Audible, the company’s resilience, and going against the status quo.

Katz’ journey toward Audible began with believing in a vision of the possible and bringing those visions to life before anyone asked for it. In the mid-1990s, as an Esquire technology writer, he saw a future where audio content would revolutionize how people consumed literature.

“I went into Audible believing that civilization is better if there are creative people that have a full-time job making culture,” he said. His futuristic mindset led him to explore emerging technologies such as digital signal processors and compact memory devices.

As Audible’s first phase of invention unfolded, his team pioneered breakthroughs such as the first digital audio player, content download mechanisms, and robust security measures to protect artists’ work. These technological advancements laid the foundation for Audible’s growth and ensured the professional creative class could be more fairly compensated for their contributions.

Like any groundbreaking venture, Audible faced its share of challenges. During the dot-com bust in the late ’90s, the company’s stock price plummeted to 26 cents a share.

However, Katz and team focused on refining their product, and Audible persisted, demonstrating resilience in an ever-changing market.

One of his primary goals was to democratize the reading experience. Audible’s platform allowed authors and actors to share their work directly with millions of listeners, bypassing the traditional barriers imposed by the publishing industry.

“We all know the primal pleasures of childhood when people read to you. I felt that if we could evoke the sense that everyone who listened will think it’s just for you … it would open up all these opportunities,” Katz said.

Read the full article here.