Donald Trump tamed the media. Some even paid for the privilege.

 

Every Saturday, I send members a weekend reading list with overlooked stories and headlines. This week, I reflect on the state of our media and why you should support independent outlets and creators. If you enjoy this newsletter, consider upgrading today. Now, let’s dive in. On the morning that Donald Trump was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, he was honored at the New York Stock Exchange by ringing in the opening bell. But the biggest news of the day, perhaps the week, took place during his brief remarks afterwards: The media is tamed down a little bit. They like us much better now, I think. If they don’t, then we’ll just have to take them on again, and we don’t want to do that. Trump is a pathological liar prone to boastful overstatement. But, in this instance, he is not wrong. If anything, he is being uncharacteristically modest. The legacy media is not just tamed. Some of its most prominent participants act like obedient puppies. They are at heel and have dutifully learned to come when called. Several of the billionaire owners have even paid for the privilege — cutting seven figure checks to fête Trump at his inauguration. All the time wagging their tails. Trump is also correct that if the media misbehaves in the future — barks too loudly or stands when it should be lying down — he will simply have to reinforce his dominance. He knows that at this point it won’t require much. A sharp pull on the leash or stern word will likely do the trick. Most importantly, like any good owner, Trump doesn’t want to do that. He prefers they remain tame to having to correct their behavior in the future. Besides, he prefers to teach them new tricks — roll over, play dead and crawl come to mind — rather than reinforce the old ones. Without an ounce of irony, or mention of Trump’s comments, the New York Times concluded that the most potent guardrail on Trump is his fear of bad press in the legacy media and falling stock prices. I suppose hardwired into every puppy is the need to be the favorite. This is not to suggest that every journalist or legacy news outlet has capitulated. A few notable ones have not. The Atlantic and the New Yorker, continue to produce first rate coverage of the threat Trump poses to our country and our democracy. So do individual anchors like Nicolle Wallace and columnists like Jen Rubin at the Washington Post. And don’t forget that Harry Litman resigned from the L.A. Times rather than obey. There are many others — too many to single out. My point is not that all legacy media has given in to Trump. But enough have, including too many owners,  that it affects the overall effectiveness of the industry. That is why we are seeing the rapid growth of independent media. Outlets like Democracy Docket have certain advantages that protect them from being “tamed” by the likes of Donald Trump. By not having corporate ownership or other lines of business, independent media outlets are immune from the cross pressures created by a GOP willing to weaponize government. Democracy Docket has no government contracts. Its limited advertising revenue is from organizations that are, themselves, pro-democracy. In addition, independent media typically does not… Become a premium member to read the rest For $120/year, upgrade to our premium membership and support Democracy Docket’s 16-person team in keeping you informed on the latest news about voting and elections in the courts.  Our premium membership includes: Exclusive newsletters from me, including weekend reading lists, weekly tip sheets with cases to watch, litigation previews and more Invites to members-only live events and Q&As with me and other experts Support for a pro-democracy news outlet that will hold those in power accountable UPGRADE FOR THIS WEEK’S READING LIST That’s all for this week. Bode is much less tamed than legacy media is.