What Happened To Donut Media? Who Started Donut Media?
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Updated Aug 02, 2024
What Happened To Donut Media?
Donut Media, a popular YouTube channel about cars, is going through big changes. James Pumphrey, a key host known for his “Up to Speed” series, has left the channel after working there for nearly ten years. His departure is part of a trend where creators leave after their channels are sold or restructured, often due to new ownership focusing more on profits than creativity.
After Pumphrey’s exit, Donut Media is trying to keep its fans happy. Nolan Sykes, the new Editor-in-Chief, is working on new content like drag racing videos and special car builds. The channel plans to hold a Q&A on its subreddit to update fans and talk about what’s coming next.
Pumphrey is starting his own channel called Speeed and working with former Donut Media staff like Jesse Wood. His new channel is already getting a lot of attention.
Both Donut Media and Pumphrey’s new channel will need to adapt and stay relevant to keep their audiences engaged in this changing media landscape.
Who Started Donut Media?
Donut Media was founded by John Harris, Zach Jobe, and Ben Conrad in 2015. The trio launched the channel with a focus on automotive content, leveraging their passion for cars to create engaging videos for a growing YouTube audience. Their early success was fueled by Harris's expertise in production, Jobe's automotive knowledge, and Conrad's creative direction.
Matt Levin Donut Media
Matt Levin is one of the co-founders of Donut Media. He, along with James Pumphrey and other key figures, helped establish the channel in 2015. Donut Media quickly gained a reputation in the automotive space for its engaging and humorous content, particularly with its popular "Up to Speed" series, which was hosted by Pumphrey. Levin's role was crucial in shaping the channel's content and direction.
As of recent developments, Matt Levin, along with other original team members, has seen changes in the channel's dynamic following its acquisition by Recurrent Ventures in 2021. This shift introduced corporate oversight and led to alterations in Donut Media’s content strategy, which some fans and former hosts have critiqued. Levin’s current involvement with Donut Media would be impacted by these changes and the departures of other key figures like Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe.
James Humphrey Donut Media
James Pumphrey is a prominent figure associated with Donut Media, a popular automotive YouTube channel. He gained fame as the charismatic host of Donut Media's "Up to Speed" series, where his passion for cars and engaging style attracted a large audience.
Donut Media, founded in 2015, quickly rose to prominence in the online automotive space, largely due to Pumphrey's infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of cars. His role became central to the channel's identity, making his recent absence from new videos notable.
In November 2021, Donut Media was acquired by Recurrent Ventures, which introduced corporate oversight and led to changes in the channel’s content strategy. This transition has been marked by a shift towards more clickbait and less in-depth content, which has impacted the channel’s original vibe.
Pumphrey’s departure, if confirmed, could have significant implications for Donut Media. It follows the exit of other long-time hosts, Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe, who left to start their own channel, BigTime. Their departure and Pumphrey's absence suggest potential dissatisfaction with the new direction of the channel under its new ownership.
Donut Media
Donut Media is a popular American digital content brand known for its automotive-themed YouTube channel and online store. It was started in 2015 by Matt Levin, Ben Conrad, and Nick Moceri. The channel quickly gained popularity with its first video about the 24 Hours of Lemons and became well-known for viral videos like "Two Grannies, One Lamborghini."
Donut Media produces several shows, including "Up to Speed," where James Pumphrey talks about the history of cars and brands with humor. "Wheelhouse" covers various car topics and news, hosted by Nolan Sykes. "Money Pit" follows Zach Jobe as he modifies project cars, while "Bumper 2 Bumper," originally hosted by James Pumphrey and later by Jeremiah Burton, explores car engineering and technology. "HiLow" features James Pumphrey and Nolan Sykes comparing car modifications on different budgets. "Past Gas" is a podcast about car history, hosted by Nolan Sykes, James Pumphrey, and Joe Weber. "Tool Party" tests automotive tools and is sponsored by eBay Motors.
In November 2021, Donut Media was acquired by Recurrent Ventures, which also owns The Drive and Car Bibles. Recently, in June 2024, hosts Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe left to start their own channel called BigTime. Donut Media has also been recognized at the Streamy Awards, winning in the Sports category in 2019.
