Zoom has launched a partnership with independent journalist and podcaster Nayeema Raza, creator of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions," marking the video-conferencing company's push into original content production. The tie-up reflects a broader shift in how brands engage audiences, as independent creators and journalists gain growing influence, particularly among younger consumers who increasingly turn to individual voices rather than traditional outlets for news and information.

Under the partnership, Raza debuts a new social-media interview series this week spotlighting "solopreneurs," followed by a six-part series on her own show in August examining how technology is reshaping work and leadership; she will also appear at Zoom's Zoomtopia conference in October. Zoom's chief marketing officer, Kimberly Storin, said the company wants to be seen as a "preferred partner" for creators, citing Pew Research data showing 38% of 18-29 year-olds regularly get news from influencers, compared with just 8% of those aged 65 and over. Raza, a former New York Times opinion editor and executive producer of "On With Kara Swisher," stressed that she will retain full editorial control to preserve her credibility with audiences.