Trump’s Victory: A Major Wake-Up Call to Mainstream Media
In a shocking turn of events that defied the expectations of political analysts and media powerhouses alike, former President Donald Trump secured an election victory that has sent shockwaves across the country. For many, this result isn’t just about politics; it’s an undeniable indication of a broader trend: the growing disconnect between mainstream media and the public they purport to serve.
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Mainstream Media’s Dwindling Trust and Engagement
For years, mainstream media has been viewed as a cornerstone of American democracy. However, this perception has been shifting. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, trust in mainstream media has hit a record low, with only 26% of Americans expressing confidence in national news organizations. This erosion of trust is echoed by declining ratings and readership. For instance, CNN’s prime-time audience has plummeted by 40% in recent years, while other major outlets, like MSNBC and The Washington Post, have also experienced significant declines in viewership and subscriptions.
The 2024 election is the latest sign that these trends have real consequences. Despite consistent negative coverage of Trump by major outlets, his support among voters remained resilient, suggesting that audiences were tuning out mainstream narratives in favor of alternative perspectives.
The Independent Surge
This shift in public sentiment can be traced to the rise of independent journalism and podcasts. A 2023 Pew Research Center report highlighted that nearly 60% of U.S. adults now get their news from social media and independent platforms, bypassing traditional networks entirely. Influential podcasters like Joe Rogan and independent journalists on platforms like Substack have reached millions with content that challenges mainstream narratives.
The numbers are telling. Substack, which had a modest start in 2017, now hosts over a million paid subscribers across its publications, with top writers earning substantial incomes rivaling those of mainstream columnists. The surge is not only a testament to a hunger for alternative voices but also an indication that audiences are looking for more personalized and less filtered news experiences.
My Journey from Mainstream to Independent Journalism
As someone who worked in mainstream media for 25 years, I witnessed firsthand the gradual shift from investigative reporting to agenda-driven narratives. The disconnect between newsrooms and the real world became apparent during major political and social events, where newsroom discussions often mirrored the echo chambers of social media rather than the sentiments of everyday Americans.
The decision to leave my $110,000-a-year job and go independent wasn’t made lightly. It was rooted in the realization that audiences were craving authenticity and stories that challenged conventional wisdom. The final push came when I recognized that traditional media outlets were more invested in preserving the status quo than in holding power accountable and presenting unbiased news.
Since going independent, I have built a dedicated following of nearly 900,000 across major social platforms. My subscribers on Locals and Substack have grown steadily, demonstrating that people are willing to support independent voices that prioritize transparency and truth over ratings.
Why Mainstream Media is Struggling to Adapt
The mainstream media’s decline can be attributed to several factors:
Homogenized Content: Many major outlets cover stories with the same angles, making it difficult for readers to find fresh perspectives.
Perceived Bias: A 2024 report by Reuters Institute revealed that 55% of Americans believe mainstream media coverage is biased toward a specific political ideology, further driving audiences to seek balanced or differing viewpoints elsewhere.
The Rise of Digital Creators: Independent journalists and digital creators are leveraging technology to deliver content faster, with fewer barriers and more direct interaction with their audiences. The podcast industry alone saw a 20% growth in 2023, with more people listening to news podcasts than ever before.
The Future of Journalism
The results of the election and the continued rise of independent media underscore a vital lesson: audiences are demanding more than pre-packaged narratives. They want authenticity, engagement, and news that speaks to their concerns without political or corporate influence.
I saw this writing on the wall and made the leap into independent journalism to be part of the change. It’s a challenging path, marked by uncertainty and risk, but it’s one that offers freedom and aligns with the evolving landscape of media consumption. The shift toward independent journalism is not just a trend—it’s a transformation, and it’s reshaping the future of news as we know it.
For those willing to adapt, the opportunities are immense. For those who don’t, the election of 2024 serves as a powerful reminder that staying out of touch comes at a cost. The media landscape is changing, and for many, that change is long overdue.
