Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson held a closed-door press briefing about the government shutdown — but only for what his team called “new media.” That phrase once meant digital-first outlets like BuzzFeed or The Huffington Post. Today, however, “new media’ is just right-wing media” — a rebranding of partisan news platforms, conservative creators, and MAGA-aligned influencers as legitimate press.
The meeting was covered by The Washington Reporter, a recently launched outlet founded by GOP operatives to “set the record straight.” Traditional newsrooms like The New York Times or The Washington Post weren’t invited. Speaker Johnson’s office didn’t respond to questions about the press restrictions, but the message was clear: the conservative movement has built its own media ecosystem — and it’s here to stay.
How “New Media” Got Rebranded
A decade ago, “new media” meant something entirely different. It referred to emerging online publications like The Verge, BuzzFeed, and HuffPost — digital disruptors challenging old-school journalism.
But in 2025, among Republicans in power, the phrase “new media’ is just right-wing media” — a polite stand-in for partisan communication channels. It now includes podcast hosts, YouTube commentators, TikTok influencers, and right-wing news startups — all united by one thing: loyalty to MAGA narratives and distrust of legacy journalism.
These groups don’t just publish on new platforms; they actively reject traditional journalistic norms. Many see themselves as activists, not reporters, and proudly claim to be “the real media” standing up to what they call “the corrupt mainstream press.”
Inside the GOP’s “New Media” Strategy
The redefinition of “new media” isn’t accidental. During the Trump administration, the White House formalized the category by creating a designated “new media” seat in the press briefing room. Thousands of conservative creators and small outlets applied for credentials, eager to gain proximity to power.
Now, under Speaker Johnson, that pipeline has matured into a well-coordinated messaging strategy. “New media” figures like Rogan O’Handley (aka DC Draino), Chaya Raichik, and Scott Presler have become key amplifiers for Republican narratives. They attend exclusive briefings, post curated clips, and mobilize followers faster than traditional journalists can fact-check.
What This Means for Journalism in 2025
When “new media’ is just right-wing media,” it reshapes public understanding of what journalism even is. Instead of prioritizing objectivity or verification, these outlets often blur the line between commentary and reporting.
That’s not unique to the right — but it’s especially visible there, where “alternative media” has become both a business model and a political weapon. By labeling partisan advocacy as “new media,” political actors can control narratives while claiming legitimacy.
This shift has broader implications for democracy. It fragments the information ecosystem, creating echo chambers where facts and opinions merge. The result? A public that’s increasingly divided not just by ideology but by the very definition of truth.
Why It Matters
The evolution of “new media” mirrors America’s media polarization. What once signified innovation in journalism now often signals alignment with conservative politics.
In short, “new media’ is just right-wing media” — a phrase that captures the transformation of the digital press into an ideological tool. Whether that’s a clever rebranding or a warning sign depends on how the rest of the media world responds.
Comment