Ben Shapiro and Preet Bharara on the ‘Podcast Election’
Jan 20, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Ben Shapiro, a sharp conservative commentator, and Preet Bharara, an insightful legal voice, delve into how new media influences politics. They highlight the growing power of podcasts in the 2024 election, as candidates engage younger audiences. The conversation touches on the economic pressures of modern media, the importance of authenticity in commentary, and the need for open dialogue to bridge divides. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how political views are shaped and shared in today's media landscape.
Podcasts have significantly influenced public perception in the 2024 election, enabling candidates like Trump to effectively engage younger audiences beyond traditional media's constraints.
The intimate and long-form nature of podcasts allows for deeper dialogues, fostering a more authentic representation of political figures that can sway listener opinions.
Deep dives
Impact of Podcasts on the 2024 Election
Podcasts played a significant role in shaping public perception during the 2024 election, particularly for candidates such as President Trump. By utilizing the podcasting platform, Trump was able to reach younger audiences more effectively than traditional media allows, as podcasts typically attract listeners aged 40 and under. This long-form format allowed voters to engage with Trump beyond soundbites, offering insights into his personality and cultural narratives that resonated with many listeners. In contrast, failure to capitalize on this medium by Kamala Harris limited her outreach and engagement with potential voters.
The Authenticity Factor in Political Discourse
The intimate nature of podcasts fosters a unique connection between the host, guests, and the audience, which can lead to a more truthful representation of political figures. Unlike traditional media, where the conversation is often superficial or dictated by pre-approved talking points, podcasts allow for deeper dialogue that can reveal a candidate's true beliefs and feelings. This authenticity can sway listener opinions, especially when the candidates connect on shared values and ideas. The panelists emphasized that long-form discussions help eliminate the ability to present a façade, offering a clearer view of who candidates truly are.
Evolving Landscape of Media Consumption
The podcast industry is transforming media consumption patterns, disrupting traditional news outlets and creating new opportunities for diverse voices. Economically, the rise of podcasting has been influenced by the limitations of legacy media, as audiences have shifted away from mainstream networks that failed to meet their informational needs. The conversation highlighted how ideological biases often emerge within these media platforms, leading listeners to seek more authentic content elsewhere, such as podcasts. The panel expressed optimism that the podcasting landscape will continue to grow, indicating a possible evolution towards a more nuanced and diverse set of voices in political discourse.
In a special video edition of The Journal, WSJ's Ryan Knutson sits down with Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show and Preet Bharara of Stay Tuned with Preet in the Spotify mobile studio in Washington DC. We discuss how new media has shaped politics and how politics has shaped a new era of media.