A Bhad Bhabie masterclass on the economic

The appeal of Dr Phil escapes me. Putting troubled individuals before the camera to exploit their dysfunction is a disreputable way to pay the rent, although Dr Phillip McGraw certainly made a handsome living doing just that.

It seemed to me an exercise in narcissism where the guests were in on the gig and, possibly, some people may have been inspired to seek professional help.

However, Dr Phil definitely helped one young lady.

Danielle Bregoli became a sensation when she invited the audience to ‘‘cash me outside, how about that?’’ She has pivoted from that viral moment to become Bhad Bhabie, enjoyed a successful musical career and, notoriously, an OnlyFans star when she hit her 18th birthday.

Let’s leave her there for a moment. We shall return.

Back in 1981, at the start of the new information age, neoclassical economist Sherwin Rosen gained some fame with an article on the economic returns to ‘‘superstars’’. The premise was that new technologies such as television and records magnified the returns to the most talented in some fields and on an order of magnitude far greater than in the past.

It is a subjective assessment as to who is the better writer,

J K Rowling or Shakespeare, but the Bard could earn fees from only those willing to stand shoulder to shoulder to enjoy his plays. Rowling can sell her books and movies to millions.

The real effect of Rosen’s analysis is evident when you consider those performing these works. Hundreds of different actors were required to entertain small crowds performing the Merchant of Venice and all earned their share of the few farthings each show garnered.

Daniel Radcliffe is the only individual given the opportunity to play Harry Potter, and would have been paid handsomely for his efforts. Technology has allowed the best entertainer or creative in their field to gather a vastly greater share of the market than previously possible.

I was reminded of this phenomenon when Triton Digital announced it was extending its rankings of podcasts to New Zealand. Mike Hosking dominates with 116,000 listeners, while an American true-crime series runs a mere 27,000 behind him. A smattering of other local contenders run close on its heels but, beyond that, the numbers do drop off precipitously.

I’m a little suspicious, frankly. I suspect that popular overseas stars, like Joe Rogan, have a large footprint in New

Zealand, but Triton’s analysis is limited to publishers who participate.

Presumably the absence of the hugely popular and heavily state-funded Spinoff podcasts reflects their non-engagement, rather than the terrible production quality and content so awful that farmers use it to kill gorse.

Which brings me back to Bhad Bhabie. According to credible news sources, she crushed her OnlyFans debut, making more than $1 million in a mere six hours – all on the notoriety that her 15 minutes on

Technology has allowed the best entertainer or creative in their field to gather a vastly greater share of the market than previously possible.