We all must support (and share with our friends) progressive media where we find truthful news and information. Failing to do so will create a media landscape similar to that in autocratic nations.
Trump’s election makes the flailing progressive media much worse.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
Summary:
The video underscores the existential threat posed by the decline of progressive media, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s normalization of authoritarianism and moral corruption. It critiques the right-wing media’s dominance and normalization of unethical behavior, highlights the precarious state of outlets like MSNBC, and urges grassroots and financial support for progressive media to counteract disinformation and corporate-driven narratives. The call to action is clear: to save democracy, progressive media must be nurtured, shared, and expanded.
Key Points
- Right-Wing Media Dominance: Conservative billionaires have built a propaganda machine that normalizes authoritarian behavior and disinformation.
- Progressive Media in Decline: Outlets like MSNBC face uncertain futures, while independent media struggles to compete with right-wing funding and cohesion.
- Normalization of Corruption: Trump’s behavior, once disqualifying, is now accepted due to the right-wing media’s cultural shifts.
- Lack of Progressive Investment: Progressive billionaires and organizations have largely failed to invest in building a robust media infrastructure.
- Call to Action: Individuals must support, share, and amplify progressive media to counteract right-wing narratives and save democracy.
Progressive Perspective
The video highlights a dire but fixable crisis in progressive media. Right-wing billionaires have weaponized information to normalize injustice, but the power to fight back lies in collective action. Progressives can reclaim the narrative and build a more just, informed society by amplifying truth, investing in independent journalism, and engaging underserved communities.
The reelection of Donald Trump in 2024 has cast a harsh spotlight on the weaknesses of progressive media and its struggle to remain relevant in the face of a relentless right-wing propaganda machine. This isn’t just a problem for liberals or Democrats—it’s a threat to the integrity of democracy itself. The erosion of progressive media undermines a critical counterweight to authoritarian normalization, allowing harmful narratives to fester unchallenged. If we don’t act decisively to support and expand progressive media, we risk losing a vital tool in the fight for justice and equity.
The Right-Wing Media Juggernaut
The right-wing media ecosystem has been systematically designed and heavily funded to shape public opinion in favor of conservative and often authoritarian agendas. Fox News, Sinclair Broadcasting, and a vast network of talk radio and digital platforms have created an echo chamber that amplifies disinformation, stokes division, and normalizes behaviors that would have been unthinkable just decades ago. Trump’s rise—and now, his second presidency—is a testament to their success.
As Egberto Willies and Thom Hartmann eloquently argue, this normalization process has redefined what Americans accept from their leaders. Hartmann’s article, “Will Trump’s Return Coincide With the Death of Progressive Media?” is probative. Trump’s well-documented history of legal, moral, and ethical transgressions would have disqualified him in an earlier era. Yet today, these failings are shrugged off as political theater, thanks largely to a media environment that has desensitized the public to scandal and shifted the Overton window of acceptable behavior.
The Decline of Progressive Media
While the right has built an empire, progressive media has struggled to gain footing. The decline of outlets like Air America and the precarious future of networks like MSNBC highlight the lack of a cohesive, well-funded left-wing media infrastructure. MSNBC, often seen as a bastion of liberal commentary, is being spun off by Comcast, raising fears that it could fall into the hands of private equity or conservative interests. Rachel Maddow’s reported pay cut underscores the uncertain future of even the most prominent progressive voices.
At the grassroots level, independent progressive outlets like Mother Jones, The Nation, and Common Dreams work tirelessly to fill the gap. However, these organizations often operate on shoestring budgets and lack the resources to compete with their right-wing counterparts. Substack, BlueSky, and other digital platforms have provided a lifeline for some, but these fragmented efforts are no match for the cohesive strategy of the right.
Why Progressive Media Matters
Progressive media plays a crucial role in challenging disinformation, uplifting marginalized voices, and holding power to account. Without it, the public discourse is dominated by narratives that prioritize corporate interests, white supremacy, and patriarchal values. A weakened progressive media landscape means fewer watchdogs to scrutinize policy, fewer platforms for progressive candidates, and fewer opportunities for the public to hear alternative viewpoints.
Moreover, the rise of right-wing propaganda in Spanish-language media demonstrates how conservatives are actively expanding their reach into diverse communities. This underscores the urgent need for progressive media to invest in outreach and representation, particularly among demographics that have traditionally leaned Democratic but are increasingly targeted by conservative messaging.
What Can Be Done?
Saving progressive media requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Grassroots Support: Independent progressive outlets depend on reader contributions to survive. By subscribing, donating, and sharing their content, individuals can help sustain these vital platforms. As Willies suggests, exponential growth in sharing progressive content can amplify its reach and impact.
- Democratic Investment in Media: While right-wing billionaires like Rupert Murdoch and the Koch brothers fund vast media empires, progressive billionaires have largely stayed on the sidelines. It’s time for wealthy progressives to recognize the strategic importance of media and invest in building a robust infrastructure.
- Building Community Media: Platforms like Free Speech TV and progressive podcasts provide an important counterweight to mainstream narratives. Supporting and expanding these initiatives can help fill the void left by corporate media.
- Media Literacy Education: Combatting disinformation requires an informed public. Progressive organizations and educators must prioritize media literacy to help individuals critically evaluate the information they consume.
- Engaging the Disenfranchised: Progressive media must reach beyond its traditional base to engage working-class, rural, and minority audiences who are often left out of the conversation. This means investing in multilingual programming, accessible formats, and targeted outreach.
The Stakes Are High
The future of progressive media—and by extension, democracy itself—hinges on the actions we take today. The normalization of Trump’s behavior, the consolidation of media ownership, and the rise of right-wing propaganda present existential threats that cannot be ignored. As Hartmann and Willies emphasize, every individual has a role to play in countering these forces. Whether it’s subscribing to a progressive newsletter, sharing content with friends, or supporting independent journalism, collective action can make a difference.
In the face of a well-oiled right-wing machine, progressive media must not only survive but thrive. This isn’t just about winning elections; it’s about preserving the ideals of truth, justice, and equality in a time of profound political and cultural upheaval. By investing in progressive media now, we can build a foundation for a more informed, empowered, and equitable society. The time to act is now.
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