The Tech Oligarchy’s Campaign Against the Media w/ Eoin Higgins
Feb 13, 2025
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Eoin Higgins, journalist and author of "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," delves into the profound influence of tech elites on media narratives. He highlights the shift from critical journalism to more favorable coverage of tech giants, framing it as a battle for control over public perception. Higgins discusses the fallout from Peter Thiel's feud with Gawker, the rise of alternative media like Substack, and the ideological shifts of once-leftist commentators, revealing the complex interplay of money, power, and media integrity.
Tech billionaires have reshaped media narratives, transitioning from critical journalism to a more flattering and compliant coverage for corporate interests.
The rise of independent media platforms offers alternatives to traditional journalism, yet the influence of wealthy backers raises concerns about narrative control.
Prominent journalists shifting towards right-wing ideologies highlight how financial incentives can alter political alignment, impacting media integrity and discourse.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Media Coverage
The podcast discusses how the relationship between tech billionaires and media has evolved, particularly highlighting the shift from an initially critical press to a more servile and flattering one. In the early days of the tech industry's rise, media coverage varied from critical to analytical, but as tech giants like Microsoft began to dominate, the media became increasingly eager for access and insider narratives. This change coincided with tech companies aligning themselves with the U.S. government, notably during the war on terror, thus blurring the lines between independent media and corporate interests. The podcast emphasizes that this shift has led to a co-opted media landscape, where coverage tends to favor tech narratives over critical journalism.
The Rise of Independent Media
There is an exploration of the growing trend of independent media and content creators as alternatives to mainstream journalism, particularly as wealthy tech figures invest in these new platforms. This transition has enabled independent journalists to bypass traditional media, but it also raises concerns about the influence of mega-donors on the narratives pushed within independent content. As billionaires invest heavily in these ventures, they effectively control the discourses and ensure that their interests are represented. This dynamic creates a dual-edged sword where independent voices can flourish while potentially serving the agendas of those who finance them.
The Impact of the Gawker Case
The podcast delves into the significant impact of the Gawker Media case, particularly how Peter Thiel’s campaign against the publication reflects the power dynamics between tech leaders and the media. After Gawker published unflattering content on Thiel, he strategically bankrolled lawsuits against the company, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy. This event has served as a cautionary tale for journalists and outlets, instilling fear and discouragement when it comes to reporting on powerful tech figures. The chilling effect on media is evident, as fewer outlets now dare to take risks when covering influential billionaires.
Shifts in Political Alignments
As the conversation continues, the podcast highlights the ideological shifts of prominent journalists like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi as they move from left-leaning stances to align more closely with right-wing narratives. This transformation is partly attributed to the appeal of larger platforms and lucrative opportunities that come with embracing these new political identities. By appealing to right-wing audiences, they secure financial gains and greater visibility while distancing themselves from critical independent media. This reflects a broader trend where financial incentives lead to a realignment of political ideologies, often diluting originally progressive stances.
The Influence of Tech Platforms
The podcast concludes by discussing how the emergence of platforms like Substack and Rumble, backed by tech billionaires, has affected the media landscape. These platforms provide an alternative space for journalists, fostering an environment where certain right-wing viewpoints flourish while marginalizing others. The hosts argue that while these platforms claim neutrality, their funding sources and content promotion strategies often favor voices that align with the interests of their investors. This creates a media ecosystem that, although seemingly diversified, may in reality result in a narrower range of narratives being disseminated to the public, reinforcing existing trends toward sensationalism and partisanship.
Paris Marx is joined by Eoin Higgins to discuss how tech billionaires set out to change the media ecosystem and made it profitable for influential voices to shift to the political right.
Eoin Higgins is a journalist and the author of Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham.