Technology
The Media and Donald Trump: A Tale of Influence and Impact
Introduction
From 24-hour news channels like FOX to smaller, more specialized publications, the media landscape has been deeply influenced by Donald Trump. This article explores the complex relationship between the media and the former US president, discussing the impact on media bias, the role of influencing elections, and the future of media coverage.
The Media Ecosystem Surrounding Trump
The media ecosystem that sprang up around Donald Trump is diverse and widespread, comprising traditional and niche outlets. Examples include Fox News, OAN, Right Side Broadcasting, OAN, NTD, Epoch Times, The Babylon Bee, Western Journal, The Post, Millennial Defy, Cabel News Daily, Honker, Fighting the Commies, and Breaking Headlines. These outlets were often seen as distinctive from mainstream media in their favorable coverage of Trump.
Media Bias and Trump
Many media outlets see their bread buttered in part by Trump, similar to his friends and employees. Media bias in Trump's favor was significant, with some media outlets shifting their narrative even as they faced impeachment. This shift often reflects the media's financial interests, as outlets see increased viewership and subscriptions due to the controversial nature of Trump's announcements and actions.
The mantra "When it leads, it bleeds" encapsulates how many media outlets prioritize negative news on Trump, driven by increased revenue from ad views and subscriptions. However, this focus on Trump's controversial actions has also starved the public of substantive discussions on his policies and their impacts.
The Impact on Media Coverage and Election
Under Trump, media coverage shifted significantly, particularly in the 2016 election cycle. Early in his candidacy, the media provided substantial, predominantly positive coverage, a strategy that was indicative of the era’s content priorities. For example, in 2015, stories about Trump were more prevalent and positive in influential newspapers compared to the negative coverage of Hillary Clinton at the time. Through the first half of 2016, the media balanced Trump's coverage between positive and negative, while Clinton's coverage remained predominantly negative.
In retrospect, this pervasive positive coverage is now seen as problematic. The assumption that Clinton would win the election led to less in-depth scrutiny of Trump and less investigative reporting on his issues. This imbalance could be what Trump and his allies capitalized on during the election, helping him gain the presidency.
The Future of Media in the Age of Trump
Now, with numerous investigations into Trump's behavior and a well-established record in office, the media's role will shift from speculation to factual reporting. What remains to be determined is how the media will handle the ongoing scrutiny of Trump's presidency and whether this will be reflected in their coverage.
Will media outlets focus more on Trump's actual policies and actions, or will they continue to be driven by the car-crash phenomenon of his controversial statements? This will be crucial in determining the media's role in shaping public opinion and discourse during the 2020 election cycle. Current practices and biases must be carefully examined to ensure informed and fair coverage.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's presidency has significantly impacted the media landscape, both in terms of driving coverage and challenging traditional norms of impartiality. As the media looks towards the future, it faces the immense pressure to balance truth-telling with engaging content. The election of 2020 will be a critical moment for the media, as they navigate the complex terrain of influencing elections and shaping public perception.