The media delivery system has issues, and mainstream media still has a comprehension problem. The loss of local media has led to people seeking information from other sources like YouTube and TikTok, where they find personalities they trust more than traditional news outlets.
Trump effectively tapped into an anger that Democrats avoided, making the party appear as the party of the rich. Exit polls showed higher income people voting for Kamala Harris and working-class people for Trump, highlighting the importance of perception and the message that the American dream is dead.
The media coverage of the war in Gaza was heavily pro-Israel, with American officials dominating the discussion. This led to a decline in trust among many Americans and allowed Trump to use the war as a wedge issue, effectively exploiting discontent among Democratic voters.
Public radio and local media are vulnerable, with listenership down and potential funding cuts on the horizon. The public radio system, while good at fielding reporters and stories, faces challenges from changing habits and competition from digital platforms.
The need for great reporting on the upcoming Trump administration is paramount. The media must continue to affirm the truth and reality to the best of their ability, focusing on honest reporting and contextualization.
Brooke and Micah recorded a conversation on Wednesday morning after the election. On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected].