| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Mehdi Raza Hasan |
| Birthday: | July 10, 1979 (age 46 years), Born in Swindon, United Kingdom |
| Height: | 5'10" (178 cm) |
| Education: | Merchant Taylors' School (Diploma) Christ Church, Oxford (BA), Philosophy, Politics and Economics |
| Subscribers: | 1.52M |
| Views: | 265,794,776 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $265.8K - $1.3M |
| Videos: | 1460 |
| Channel Created: | March 2024 |
Overview
Mehdi Hasan is a British-American journalist and broadcaster known for his incisive interviewing style, unwavering commitment to holding power accountable, and his independent media venture, Zeteo.
Latest News (Nov 27, 2025): Zeteo recently uploaded a video titled "How Mahmoud Khalil Became Trump's Biggest Target" approximately 8 hours ago, while a Substack article, "Holocaust Survivor Tells Mehdi Trump's Actions 'Absolutely' Resemble 1930s Germany," published around 9 hours ago, garnered over 900 comments and 300 shares.
The Unfiltered Voice: Charting the Rise of Mehdi Hasan and Zeteo
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, few voices have carved out as distinct and impactful a niche as Mehdi Hasan. The British-American journalist and broadcaster has become a formidable presence, known for his incisive interviewing style and unwavering commitment to holding power to account. His YouTube channel, now the digital home for his independent media venture, Zeteo, serves as a testament to his journalistic journey and his vision for a more challenging and unfiltered press.
From Print to the Digital Pulpit
Born on July 10, 1979, to Indian immigrant parents in the UK, Mehdi Hasan's career in journalism was forged in the crucible of British media. His early work as a researcher and producer for prominent UK television programs honed his skills in political analysis and compelling narrative construction. A significant chapter of his early career was his time at the *New Statesman*, a respected left-leaning political and cultural magazine, where he served as senior editor for politics from 2009 to 2012. During this period, his writing often tackled pressing issues such as austerity economics and Western military interventions in the Middle East, establishing his reputation as a sharp and challenging commentator. He also contributed columns to *The Guardian*, where his writings often explored issues of Islamophobia and the misrepresentation of Muslims in the media.
The precise creation date of his YouTube channel, now titled "Zeteo with Mehdi Hasan," is not publicly available through standard analytics tools. However, its current iteration is intrinsically linked to the launch of his new media company, Zeteo, in February 2024. This venture was born out of a desire for a truly independent platform to deliver hard-hitting interviews and unsparing analysis. The name "Zeteo" itself, derived from the ancient Greek for "to seek out" or "to inquire," encapsulates the channel's mission: to relentlessly pursue the truth.
The Evolution of a Tenacious Interviewer
Mehdi Hasan's content has undergone a significant evolution, marked by a consistent thread of tenacious and confrontational interviewing. His style, often described as a blend of interview and debate, was prominently displayed during his time at Al Jazeera English, where he hosted the show *Head to Head*. This program, filmed in front of a live audience at the Oxford Union, pitted Hasan against high-profile guests in a robust and often fiery exchange of ideas.
This combative yet well-researched approach continued with his podcast *Deconstructed*, produced by The Intercept, where he dissected complex news stories and interviewed influential figures. His move to MSNBC with *The Mehdi Hasan Show* brought his distinctive style to a mainstream American cable news audience. However, the cancellation of his MSNBC show in late 2023, a move that sparked considerable debate and criticism, served as a catalyst for his next chapter.
The content on his YouTube channel today, under the Zeteo banner, represents the culmination of this journey. It is here that Hasan has unfiltered freedom to pursue the stories and interviews he deems most critical. The channel features a mix of monologues, in-depth interviews, and panel discussions that tackle a wide range of political and social issues, with a pronounced focus on what he considers to be the urgent threats of fascism and the erosion of democratic norms.
Building a Community on Conviction
Mehdi Hasan's relationship with his audience is built on a foundation of intellectual rigor and a shared sense of urgency. He engages his community not through fleeting trends, but through the substance of his arguments and his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The strategies he employs to keep his audience engaged are deeply rooted in the principles outlined in his book, "Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking." In it, he emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience, connecting with them on an emotional level, and presenting well-reasoned arguments backed by evidence.
The launch of Zeteo as a subscription-based platform is a direct appeal to his audience to invest in a different kind of media—one that is not beholden to corporate interests. This model fosters a direct relationship with his subscribers, creating a community of viewers who are actively supportive of his journalistic mission. The rapid and significant number of paid subscribers Zeteo garnered in its initial months is a powerful indicator of the deep engagement and loyalty he has cultivated over the years. His active presence on social media further extends this engagement, providing a platform for direct interaction and debate with his followers.
A Trail of Tenacity and Triumph
Mehdi Hasan's career is marked by a series of significant achievements that underscore his influence in the media landscape. His early recognition as a rising star in British journalism was solidified by the surge in subscriptions the *New Statesman* experienced following his appearances on the BBC's *Question Time*.
More recently, the successful launch of Zeteo stands as a major milestone. In an era of media consolidation and skepticism, the ability to launch an independent, subscriber-funded platform with a roster of high-profile contributors is a testament to his established credibility and the resonance of his message. The platform's immediate success demonstrates a clear public appetite for the kind of adversarial journalism he champions.
An Unflinching Mirror to Power
Mehdi Hasan's impact on the YouTube community and the broader political discourse is undeniable. He has inspired a more confrontational and research-intensive style of interviewing among a new generation of digital journalists. His unwavering approach to questioning powerful figures, regardless of their political affiliation, has set a benchmark for accountability in a media ecosystem often criticized for its access-driven journalism.
His departure from MSNBC and the subsequent launch of Zeteo have also sparked a wider conversation about the role of independent media and the pressures faced by journalists within corporate structures, particularly when covering sensitive topics. By creating a successful independent platform, he has provided a potential blueprint for other journalists seeking to maintain their editorial independence.
The Future is Unfiltered
The future of Mehdi Hasan's YouTube channel is inextricably linked to the growth and evolution of Zeteo. His stated mission is to build a lasting progressive media institution that extends beyond his own voice. Future plans include expanding the roster of contributors, producing more in-depth investigative work, and continuing to provide a platform for voices often excluded from mainstream conversations.
Given the current political climate and the increasing demand for independent news sources, the trajectory of "Zeteo with Mehdi Hasan" is poised for continued growth. As traditional media outlets face ongoing challenges to their business models and credibility, Hasan's commitment to unfiltered, unapologetic journalism is likely to attract an even larger and more engaged audience, solidifying his position as a crucial voice in the digital public square.