The future of legacy media under Trump

Illustration: TBS

On 6 November, Elon Musk tweeted, "You are the media now," followed by another tweet: "News should come from the people. From those actually on the scene and those who actually are subject-matter experts!" This statement has significant implications for the future of media, underscoring a shift toward citizen journalism and decentralised information sources.

Furthermore, this message aligns with sentiments championed by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has long contested the legitimacy of mainstream media. Trump has referred to CBS as a "A FAKE NEWS SCAM" whose operations are "totally illegal," and has suggested that ABC should lose its broadcast licence. As Trump returns to office with a Republican-controlled Congress and a Supreme Court predominantly shaped by his appointees, the traditional role of media as a democratic safeguard faces renewed challenges.

The combination of perceived bias, economic challenges, and competition from alternative media has led to a significant erosion of public trust in legacy media in recent years. And the traditional media is not equipped to combat these challenges. Without the confidence of the audience, these outlets struggle to assert their authority and ability to shape the narrative or counter the trump narratives.

New battlefront for legacy media

In 2018, the Trump administration took the unprecedented step of suspending CNN journalist Jim Acosta's access to the White House after a contentious exchange with President Trump at a press conference. When a federal judge sided with CNN and issued a temporary restraining order, thereby forcing the White House to restore his press pass for 14 days, the administration continued to threaten his access.

During Trump's first administration, the courts blocked some of his intended actions, but this time, he will begin his tenure with a 6-3 conservative-majority at the Supreme Court, including with three justices appointed by him. 

"Trump remade the federal judiciary in his first term," George Washington University professor John Collins told Reuters. "Now he has the opportunity to cement that vision for an entire generation."

During Trump's first term, he labelled legacy media outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and others as "fake news," creating an adversarial relationship that reshaped public perception of the media. This rhetoric led to heightened distrust in traditional journalism and increased consumption of partisan, alternative media, and platforms favouring user-generated content. 

Trump's combative approach often involved restricting media access and actively encouraging his supporters to question established news sources. With Musk's powerful platform, X (previously Twitter) echoing a similar sentiment, traditional media outlets may face deeper challenges to their relevance, especially as public trust increasingly shifts toward direct, social, and community-based news sources.

Media role in US history 

Legacy media's function as a check on government power has been repeatedly tested and reinforced in US history. The Washington Post's exposure of the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to President Nixon's resignation, is one of the most famous examples. 

Another critical case was the New York Times' and Washington Post's publishing of the Pentagon Papers in 1971, defying intense governmental pressure and revealing truths about the Vietnam War. 

These landmark cases established the media as a critical pillar for transparency and accountability, backed by the First Amendment, which protects the press from governmental interference. 

Although Trump cannot constitutionally curb press freedoms directly, his administration's influence over public sentiment could weaken the media's impact indirectly, creating a chilling effect on journalistic independence.

Shift towards citizen journalism and decentralised media

The rise of platforms like X, YouTube, and independent news sites has provided individuals with tools to report news directly. 

However, this model is not without risks. While it empowers people to share perspectives overlooked by mainstream outlets, it can also amplify misinformation and a lack of accountability. Even Elon Musk himself is the king of misinformation, having removed the fact-checking feature from X.

On Election Day, Musk took to X, where he praised men, promoted anti-immigrant conspiracy theories, and accused Democrats of voter fraud. It was typical of the billionaire, who has emerged as one of Donald Trump's strongest supporters and a prolific source of misinformation. 

So, Trump's second term may further shift public reliance toward these decentralised sources, which he views as a way to "cut through bias." However, this shift could come at the expense of vetted, fact-checked journalism, adding to the challenges that legacy outlets face in maintaining their authority.

Global media response

International media organisations and press freedom advocates are likely to stand in solidarity with US outlets if Trump intensifies his campaign against the press. 

Global support could strengthen legacy media's position, emphasising the importance of independent journalism worldwide. 

For example, during Trump's first term, international bodies like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned his actions and rhetoric toward journalists. With Trump's renewed emphasis on conservative values, traditional media may once again rely on global support to uphold journalistic principles.

Trump Administration's "war cabinet"

Trump's second-term team includes hardline conservatives known for prioritising loyalty and ideological purity over independent oversight, forming what some are calling a "war cabinet". 

Figures like Stephen Miller and others with histories of enacting policies focused on national security and "America First" populism are positioned to support Trump's initiatives without challenging his decisions. 

This administration could introduce policy changes that impact press freedom indirectly, such as pushing regulatory adjustments that empower alternative media at the expense of traditional outlets. 

Additionally, Trump's Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, has issued decisions that could diminish the checks on executive power and alter the regulatory landscape, reducing the legal safeguards that support federal agencies and the press​.

Can legacy media endure?

For legacy media to remain resilient in this new environment, it may need to pivot strategically. Some news organisations are already bolstering their online presence, prioritising direct audience engagement, and fostering transparency to rebuild public trust. 

A crucial component will be finding ways to integrate and validate citizen contributions while maintaining rigorous journalistic standards. With Trump encouraging populism-driven news, the risk of echo chambers and misinformation is heightened, making fact-checking and investigative reporting all the more essential.

Ultimately, legacy media's survival may hinge on balancing its watchdog role with adaptability in a landscape dominated by citizen voices and populist influencers. Upholding its constitutional mandate as a check on power, the media will face ongoing scrutiny, but remains positioned to adapt as a crucial democratic institution amid this complex political landscape.

Despite the conservative dominance in the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, some experts remain optimistic that the media will continue to serve as a crucial check and balance. This confidence is rooted in the historical resilience of the press, even under intense political pressure. 

Only time will tell how the legacy media fights back, but analysts believe the next four years will contribute to further polarisation.