The White House is evolving its media strategy by acknowledging the shift towards independent journalism and engaging influencers for broader outreach.
The increasing constraints on free speech in the UK illustrate alarming censorship trends that raise concerns for similar free speech issues globally.
Deep dives
Embracing Change in Media Consumption
The White House is adapting to modern media consumption trends, acknowledging that many news consumers now favor independent outlets and social media over traditional journalism. This shift demands that the White House press operation reflects contemporary media habits, which Caroline Leavitt emphasized during the influencer briefing. Leavitt's remarks suggest a bipartisan approach in acknowledging this shift, although it signals increased competition for legacy media. By embracing independent journalism, the administration aims to engage a broader audience and reflect the diverse viewpoints across the political spectrum.
Inequities in Legacy Media Representation
Legacy media often fails to represent the interests of a significant portion of the American population, particularly conservative voices. The briefing highlighted that many conventional journalists do not ask questions pertinent to conservative Americans, such as gun ownership policies or border wall completion timelines. In contrast, influencers are addressing these legitimate concerns, which the traditional press appears to overlook due to its ideological biases. This discrepancy illustrates the need for new media to fill the gap in representation and provide a more inclusive dialogue on pressing national issues.
Impact of Influencer Questions on Policy Discourse
During the influencer briefing, questions raised included significant topics like trade deals, free speech issues, and the reinstatement of whistleblowers. Influencers like Winston Marshall posed poignant questions about the relevance of free speech in trade negotiations with the UK and the administration's stance on potential political asylum for British citizens facing free speech violations. The response from the administration indicative of their willingness to discuss such matters suggests a potential shift in policy considerations. This engagement signifies that new media could play an essential role in shaping public discourse on important legislative issues.
Censorship and Legal Constraints in Britain
The podcast detailed the constraints on free speech in the UK, emphasizing the growing number of non-crime hate incidents that can affect individuals' employment prospects. Cases highlighted included absurd instances where individuals received reprimands for innocuous statements or social media posts, illustrating how political correctness can lead to draconian measures. The historical context of these developments points to a troubling trend of increasing censorship rooted in political and social tensions. Such legal constraints raise critical questions about the future of free speech not only in Britain but also in how countries like the US view and approach similar issues.
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Winston Marshall joins Emily to share the inside story of the White House’s first ever “influencer briefing” on Monday. Marshall asked the press secretary questions about Donald Trump’s plans for the UK on tariffs and free speech.
Watch it on the Undercurrents website: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/
