I’m not being hyperbolic in saying that Donald Trump may be enacting his vengeance on those how tried to destroy him with this latest move.
Consider the stranglehold certain elements of the media have had for decades. A group within the media establishment determined who was news versus not news. That group determined who was serious media versus journeyman. Then they did what almost all of their ilk does, and that’s give awards.
To receive a Pulitzer is the pinnacle of journalistic success. At least it used to be. But now you can win Pulitzer for propagating lies. That’s what happened during the days of the fake news Russian collusion narrative. We all know the truth about this rumor–started by and funded by the Hillary Clinton campaign. But people received Pulitzers for this. As the Washington Examiner reported:
In 2018, the New York Times and Washington Post won Pulitzers for their coverage of alleged Russian collusion with the Trump campaign. This reporting was later criticized after the Mueller investigation and further revelations showed no direct evidence of collusion. Despite calls, including from Donald Trump, for the Pulitzer Board to revoke the awards, the Board maintained that the reporting met journalistic standards at the time of publication.
What do we now know about the scamdemic? Masks don’t work. Social distancing was equally laughable. Lockdowns did nothing. And what about the “vaccines”? Noted medical professionals lost careers and ridiculed in their vocations based on the endless stream of lies from so-called journalists, and they gave themselves awards for their lies.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo received an International Emmy in 2020 for his televised COVID-19 briefings. This award came under fire after investigations revealed his administration underreported nursing home deaths, and Cuomo faced accusations of sexual harassment. Unlike Pulitzer, at least those who control The Emmy’s later rescinded Cuomo’s award following the controversies.
New Kids in Town
Donald Trump in part owes his massive win to the new breed of journalists: social media influencers.
People like Joe Rogan, Lara Loomer, and others played a valuable role in amplifying President Trump’s message. More importantly, they humanized Trump. Gone were the days where candidates only appeared on the “approved” list of media. With audiences in the millions, the new breed of media influencers have far larger reach than traditional media, and they have much more loyal fans.
The Trump team will now provide press credentials for YouTubers, podcasters, and social media influencers. No longer will the traditional media determine which voices get credibility. The Trump plan will add diversity to his administration, but it’s not the diversity the Left likes. Diversity of voices who report, interpret, and ultimately disseminate the news will revolutionize the news industry.
The James Brady Press Briefing Room now represents DEI. Talk about breaking the stranglehold of the media.
Historically, White House press briefings have been the domain of mainstream media outlets, including major broadcast networks, national newspapers, and wire services. The Trump administration’s decision to include digital content creators marks a significant shift in the what was previously the media establishment. I suggest that this move marks a massive shift in what Americans perceive as media going forward.
The new media showcases a shift from what was considered traditional media that we are used to. But what it really shows is the evolution of media, something that was bound to happen and was sorely needed.
Trump embraced the non-traditional media during his campaign.
Notably, in October 2020, members of the YouTube group Nelk met with President Trump aboard Air Force One during a campaign rally. They were also seen dancing to “Y.M.C.A.” with the President onstage following the event. Next, in March 2022, Trump appeared on Nelk’s “Full Send Podcast.” That episode received five million views within 24 hours before its removal by YouTube. As a following, during the 2024 presidential campaign Nelk supported Trump’s bid, with co-founder Kyle Forgeard speaking at several rallies.
By now most Americans know of the relationship Trump had with multi-faceted media personality Joe Rogan. Rogan has become a media force, though it is doubtful that he considers himself media. Rogan is simply Rogan, and he’s created a massive following akin to that of the late Rush Limbaugh. However, Rogan runs his own empire, beholden to no network or conglomerate. Rogan proves that the individual can indeed be bigger than the system.
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) can’t be too happy.
The WHCA traditionally oversees seating arrangements in the briefing room, while the White House determines press credentials. Since the WHCA has been found to have no authority over such arrangements, I suspect they will get challenged. Perhaps this is the area where President Trump can offer meritocracy, and allow the larger media networks more coverage. Where would this leave the traditional media?
Trump is warning the fake news media outlets to get their act together or run the risk of losing a spot to the new media. Interestingly, the traditional media can easily recover their coveted position of trust by doing the simple things. Do quality investigative reporting with no bias. Then report the truth.
Most non-traditional media has no ability to compete with the major outlets. But they will fill the void, if the traditional media doesn’t return to fairness.
