The clash between “new media” and legacy media, often referred to as the “thirty years war,” traces back almost four decades to the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to scrap the “fairness doctrine.” This pivotal moment allowed Rush Limbaugh to establish his influential talk radio show, marking the beginning of a transformative era in media. Prior to Limbaugh, figures like William F. Buckley, R. Emmett Tyrell, and institutions like The National Review and The American Spectator had already carved out spaces for conservative voices in a predominantly liberal media landscape.
As the dominance of legacy broadcast networks and major newspapers waned, a new wave of media emerged, encompassing talk radio and the burgeoning blogosphere of the early 2000s. The proliferation of “new” new media in recent years has provided audiences with a diverse array of choices, rendering biased legacy networks increasingly irrelevant. From Fox News to podcasting, there is now an abundance of options catering to different preferences and demographics.
The rise of podcasting, in particular, has democratized media consumption, attracting younger audiences who eschew traditional outlets in favor of on-demand content. Personalities like Mary Katharine Ham, Dan Senor, and Megyn Kelly have found success in the podcasting sphere, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
With dwindling viewership, declining subscriptions, and uncertain advertising revenue, legacy media outlets are facing a stark reality. Advertisers have recognized the shift towards new media platforms, where they can reach a more engaged and diverse audience. As viewers increasingly cut the cord and seek out alternative sources of information, the traditional media landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation.
The reinvention of content and formats, coupled with a growing appetite for fresh perspectives, signifies a new chapter in the evolution of media. Embracing innovation and adapting to changing audience preferences will be crucial for media organizations looking to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
It’s like deck chairs on a sinking ship—all doomed. Puzzles and recipes have been the saving grace for The New York Times, but how long until advertising only cares about puzzles and recipes, and subscribers realize there are plenty of free options out there. It’s a downward spiral that Rush started, gradually picking up speed and now hurtling at new levels—and it won’t stop.
Hugh Hewitt hosts “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” airing weekdays from 6am to 9am ET on the Salem Radio Network and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hewitt, the voice waking up America on 400+ nationwide affiliates and all streaming platforms where SNC is available, is a regular guest on Fox News Channel’s news roundtable with Bret Baier at 6pm ET. Coming from Ohio and a Harvard College and University of Michigan Law School alumnus, Hewitt has been a Law Professor at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law since 1996, specializing in Constitutional Law. He started his eponymous radio show in Los Angeles in 1990.
Hewitt has made appearances on all major national news networks, hosted TV programs for PBS and MSNBC, penned articles for top American publications, written numerous books, and moderated several Republican candidate debates, including the 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt’s show and columns revolve around the Constitution, national security, U.S. politics, and his beloved Cleveland Browns and Guardians.
With over 40 years in broadcasting, Hewitt has interviewed a plethora of guests spanning from Democrats like Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. This column is a sneak peek into the headline that will steer today’s radio/TV show by Hugh Hewitt.
Click Here To Read More From Hugh Hewitt
Original article source: Morning Glory: Legacy media’s long slide into obscurity
