Is Mainstream Media Addicted to Trump? The End of the Trump News Show or a New Chapter?

When Politico declared the Trump news show over, many wondered if it truly marked an end, or if the mainstream media is merely holding on to an unpredictable figure who continues to captivate the audience.

Understanding the Media's Rationale

The notion that a twice-impeached ex-president should no longer hold the limelight is not solely about the ex-president but also about the media's bottom line. When a news show revolves around a controversial figure like Donald Trump, it garners viewers and pageviews, which are crucial for revenue in the digital age. This is not a new phenomenon. History, including the era of , demonstrates that sensationalism and provocative reporting can lead to huge profits.

Historical Context of Media Sensationalism

Historically, media moguls have been driven by the profit motive, often exploiting conflicts for financial gain. A famous anecdote from the 19th century involves and his newspaper, Harper's Weekly. Fredric Remington, an artist hired to document a pending revolution in Cuba, initially wanted to return home, stating, "Everything is quiet. There is no trouble. There will be no war. I wish to return." However, William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper's publisher, responded with a quote that epitomizes media sensationalism: "Please remain. You furnish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the war." This strategy worked, and the resulting coverage added to the Cuban-American war, which brought in significant profits for the newspapers.

Mainstream Media and Trump

Although Politico’s assertion that the media is finally letting go of Trump may seem reasonable, many believe the opposite. Mainstream media outlets, like CNN and the New York Times, continue to cover Trump's every move, driven by a desire to maintain viewership and readership. Interestingly, CNN itself, which once touted free interviews and airtime, now cries foul over Trump's coverage.

Negative Coverage and Ratings

Statistics demonstrate the ratings impact of Trump's coverage. Media ratings usually remain low, typically around 15-18, showing that the public may tune out negativity. The rise in ratings during Trump's campaign and post-election period can be attributed to the polarized nature of the audience. Democrats tuning in to watch the attacks on Trump provided a temporary boost, as did Trump's ongoing actions that continue to elicit strong reactions. However, when he leaves the spotlight, the ratings often plummet, highlighting the addiction to continuous negative coverage.

Implications of Media Addiction

The addiction to Trump coverage has several implications. Primarily, it reflects the profit-driven nature of the media. Media companies often focus on sensationalism rather than the truth to maximize their revenue. This approach can lead to a distorted narrative, where negative aspects of a figure like Trump are exaggerated and lionized, while positive aspects are virtually ignored. This has broader societal implications, as the public may form skewed opinions based on biased reporting.

Leveraging Multiple Sources for Truth

With the advent of the internet and social media, it is possible to verify information from multiple sources. However, this requires a greater effort on the part of the audience to fact-check and sift through the ocean of information. Despite the tools available, many people are content with surface-level information, leading to the echo chamber effect and confirmation bias.

Conclusion

The debate over whether the Trump news show is over or not is not just about the ex-president; it is about the media's reliance on sensationalism to generate revenue. While some might argue that the public interest in Trump has waned, the media’s sustained focus on him underscores the profit motive. Whether we are better off without constant Trump coverage or if it genuinely serves a greater good remains a matter of perspective. However, understanding the implications of media addiction to controversial figures can help us navigate the information landscape more effectively and critically.