

Mark Penn on the state of the news business
Nov 19, 2024
Mark Penn, CEO of Stagwell Group and a seasoned political strategist, shares insights on the evolving news landscape. He discusses how shifting audience trust impacts media consumption, emphasizing the importance of impartiality for news organizations. Penn warns against the dangers of catering to ideological audiences, which could weaken media's cultural influence. He also examines the complex relationship between advertisers and news, arguing that brand safety concerns are often overstated. Finally, he suggests that media can thrive by adopting strategies from political campaigns.
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Why Trump Won
- Trump won because Biden's approval ratings were low and Harris's campaign didn't resonate with voters.
- Substance matters in politics, and voters felt the Biden administration hadn't performed well.
Political Landscape
- Globally, incumbents and progressive candidates have performed poorly in recent elections.
- The US is a center-right country, and the 2024 election reflects a rejection of elite progressivism.
Middle-Class Economics
- Middle-class economics, not just the economy in general, drove voter decisions.
- Rising costs of housing, gas, and food impacted working and middle-class voters, who prioritized these issues over identity politics.