NEW YORK — As Donald Trump prepares to take office for a second term, traditional media faces a challenging landscape filled with uncertainty, yet it remains resilient rather than defeated.
Last year’s presidential campaign highlighted a growing skepticism surrounding established news outlets, which are increasingly viewed as less trustworthy by the public. Many face imminent leadership shifts and ongoing financial struggles. Incoming political figures and their supporters are relying on more favorable news sources for information.
However, transitions can also pave the way for fresh perspectives and new voices to emerge.
This month, as Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg highlighted policy changes aligned with Trump, he chose platforms known for their alignment with the president-elect’s agenda. Notably, he featured “Fox & Friends,” a cable news program that played a significant role during Trump’s first term, alongside an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan.
In comparison, historical news outlets like The New York Times, Washington Post, CBS News, and CNN seemed to follow in the footsteps of emerging leaders rather than setting the narrative.
“Conventional wisdom no longer holds,” noted Robin Sproul, a veteran former Washington bureau chief for ABC News. “This isn’t just because of the incoming administration’s anti-press stance, but also due to the turmoil in these business models.”
The past months have seen considerable leadership changes at key news organizations. The New York Times appointed Dick Stevenson as its new Washington bureau chief in November, while CNN promoted David Chalian to head its bureau in December. Both bring extensive experience from covering the nation’s capital.
The Wall Street Journal’s political and government division has also seen restructuring, naming Damian Paletta as its head for Washington coverage.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post, which saw increased readership through its reporting during Trump’s first term, has been grappling with financial losses and a declining subscriber base. Publisher Will Lewis is working to revitalize the paper, but the Post has suffered significant staff departures, including managing editor Matea Gold to The Times.
MSNBC’s president, Rashida Jones, announced her exit during a corporate management reshuffle, and Politico is transitioning its influential Playbook newsletter to a new author. Additionally, C-SPAN has appointed former CNN executive Sam Feist as its new CEO.
Such widespread flux is notable, especially considering that new presidential administrations often bring shifts in the news landscape.
One of the most significant transformations is how traditional media outlets are recognizing their place in an evolving information ecosystem. With growing distrust surrounding conventional media, consumers have diversified their news sources, turning to newsletters, podcasts, and partisan websites, according to Jim VandeHei, a former political reporter and co-founder of Axios. Axios focuses on nonpartisan reporting and caters to readers who appreciate concise and fact-based news.
“You can’t rely solely on the title of your media affiliation,” VandeHei emphasized. “It’s crucial to present information that’s genuinely useful and cultivate trust with your audience.”
Media organizations offering a distinct viewpoint, such as The Free Press founded by Bari Weiss or Ben Shapiro’s conservative platform, The Daily Wire, have become integral elements of the current media landscape.
“Mainstream media must recognize it’s not the sole authority in the information realm,” VandeHei stated. “There are many players out there. While you can still hold a significant role, you aren’t leading the charge anymore.”
Soon after the election, Michael Tomasky of The New Republic remarked that conservative media platforms like Fox News, Newsmax, and Sinclair Broadcasting, along with podcasts, are leading the news conversation in the country. “It’s clear this year that right-leaning media commands more influence than mainstream media,” he noted, pointing out its unified messaging against Democrats and liberals.
Although Trump occasionally criticizes Fox News, it remains his favored platform for communications, contrasting sharply with traditional media.
In the past, the trio of ABC, CBS, and NBC wielded substantial influence over news. However, their power has waned as viewership declines. For instance, President Biden opted for MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell for his recent exit interview rather than traditional broadcast anchors.
CNN faces significant hurdles in adapting its approach to regain viewer interest, grappling with historically low ratings as its new CEO, Mark Thompson, seeks a digital revamp.
“The traditional debate format is no longer appealing to audiences,” remarked Sproul, referencing her experience leading ABC’s Washington bureau from 1993 to 2015. “People have plenty of that at home during family gatherings; they don’t need it on television.”
In contrast, The Atlantic is actively hiring during this transitional period, recently bringing on political writers Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer from the Post.
“Our current mission is to provide thorough accountability reporting,” stated Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. “We aim to deliver comprehensive coverage regardless of the subject, even if it sometimes favors Trump.” The Atlantic seeks to be a hub of solid reporting rather than simply opposing Trump initiatives. “I encourage our journalists to report accurately, even when Trump’s actions are commendable,” he affirmed. At a challenging moment for news organizations, he and his team are committed to diligently covering the landscape as consumers navigate the information available to them.
“The onus is on individuals to curate their media consumption wisely,” VandeHei remarked. “Though there’s an abundance of accessible information, knowing where to find reliable sources is vital.”
