Trump's Triumph and the Legacy Media’s Blind Spots | 11.23.24
Nov 23, 2024
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Gerard Baker, Editor-at-large for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the media's disconnect from the American electorate, particularly during the 2024 election. He critiques the erosion of trust in media driven by partisanship and ideological bias. Baker highlights surprising gains for Trump in urban areas, emphasizing the media's narrow view of voter sentiments. He also discusses the rise of alternative news sources and the shifting landscape of political reporting, urging a need for broader perspectives in understanding diverse voter support.
The media's persistent failure to engage with Trump supporters reveals a significant disconnect with a large segment of the American electorate.
Public trust in media has declined due to perceived bias and an ideological shift, stressing the need for more balanced journalism.
Deep dives
Media's Failure to Learn from Trump
The media has not learned significant lessons from Donald Trump's presidential wins, particularly the 2016 election's shock. Following Trump's 2016 victory, many media organizations pledged to better understand the sections of the American population that supported him, yet they have largely continued their previous narratives. Rather than genuinely engaging with those voters, the media fell back on labeling Trump supporters with terms like 'fascists,' rehashing their long-standing biases instead of attempting to comprehend the voters' motivations. This ongoing failure to understand and accurately represent a considerable portion of the American electorate reflects a broader disconnect between legacy media and the realities of the political landscape.
The Redefinition of the Electoral Map
Recent elections have shown significant Republican gains in traditionally Democratic strongholds such as New York City and Chicago, demonstrating that Trump's appeal has grown among diverse voter groups. There is a notable trend of increased support for Trump among ethnic minorities, who feel neglected by the Democratic Party's governance. The media's failure to recognize these shifts highlights their insulated perspective, often limited to coastal elites who lack engagement with Middle America or urban working-class voters. The persistence of these voting patterns indicates a need for media to broaden their understanding of emerging political dynamics rather than relying on outdated stereotypes.
Declining Trust in Legacy Media
Public trust in media has reached an all-time low due to longstanding perceptions of bias, primarily toward left-wing ideologies, and the rise of a highly educated and ideologically driven class of journalists. The shift from advertising-dependent revenues to subscription models has intensified this issue, compelling news organizations to cater to politically aligned audiences rather than foster impartial reporting. As a result, media outlets have increasingly alienated readers who seek balanced perspectives, while also creating a perception of media partisanship. The future of journalism may hinge on market pressures prompting these outlets to recalibrate their approaches to regain credibility and a broader viewership.
