‘New media’ is just right-wing media
Key Takeaways
- House Speaker Mike Johnson held an exclusive press briefing for "new media" regarding the government shutdown.
- The briefing was reported by the Washington Reporter, a conservative publication founded by GOP operatives.
- Mainstream press outlets were reportedly excluded from attending the exclusive call.
- The term "new media" is now used by Republicans to exclusively refer to right-wing, MAGA-inclined outlets and creators.
- This practice mirrors the Trump administration's designation of seats for "new media" in press briefings.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside several top House Republican leaders, conducted an exclusive press briefing concerning the government shutdown that was notably restricted only to outlets labeled "new media."
This event resulted in a "scoop" published by the Washington Reporter, a Congress-focused outlet established by GOP operatives, which characterized the call as Republicans setting the record straight and delivering their message directly to the American people.
Mainstream press outlets were apparently excluded from attending this briefing, and Speaker Johnson's office did not respond to requests for comment.
The author notes a significant shift in the definition of "new media," contrasting its past meaning (online outlets like BuzzFeed) with its current usage among Republicans in power.
Today, "new media" is described as a polite term encompassing right-wing media, including news outlets, podcasters, streamers, and even some television broadcasters.
The author suggests the modern requirement for inclusion seems to be a MAGA inclination, referencing a past practice during the Trump administration where a seat was reserved for "new media" applicants willing to adhere to certain ideological standards.
