Veteran political analyst Mark Halperin analyzes the stunning 2024 election results, highlighting the media’s shocked reaction to Trump’s win and the growing influence of alternative news sources like podcasts and social media. The article examines the media’s struggle to understand its declining influence and the implications for future political coverage.
The 2024 general elections witnessed opposition parties effectively leveraging alternative media, such as YouTubers, independent journalists, and social media influencers, to gain political ground. These influencers provided engaging content, often using satire and humor, to appeal particularly to Gen Z and millennial voters, who were tired of mainstream media’s perceived pro-government stance. The opposition strategically targeted young voters by choosing voices focused on issues like employment and economic growth. Despite the BJP’s strong social media presence, the opposition matched their efforts, quietly and aggressively using social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Independent journalists also played a significant role in democratizing the campaigning landscape and amplifying opposition voices.
