The media learned all the wrong lessons from 2024

Salon - Mar 28th, 2025
Open on Salon

In the wake of Donald Trump's return to power as President in 2024, the American mainstream news media is under intense scrutiny for its coverage of the election and the subsequent political developments. Critics argue that the media's adherence to outdated norms of 'fairness' and 'balance' contributed to the normalization of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, failing to adequately inform the public of the existential threat his leadership poses to democracy. The media's focus on polls and 'horserace' journalism over critical analysis is seen as a significant oversight in a crucial moment in American history.

The implications of this failure are profound, as the media's inability to effectively report on Trump's actions has allowed his MAGA movement to gain momentum unchecked. Scholars and critics suggest that without a decisive shift towards pro-democracy reporting, the Fourth Estate might become akin to state propaganda, as seen in other autocratic regimes. This situation has sparked calls for a reformation of media practices and the establishment of independent platforms that prioritize truth and democracy over entertainment and ratings.

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RATING

5.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a critical examination of the American mainstream news media's handling of the 2024 election, focusing on perceived failures to adequately challenge Donald Trump's campaign and authoritarian tendencies. It raises important issues related to media responsibility and democratic norms, making it relevant and timely. However, the article lacks balance, as it predominantly presents a critical perspective without offering counterarguments or alternative viewpoints. Additionally, the lack of direct sourcing and evidence for some claims affects its overall reliability and accuracy. Despite these weaknesses, the article is clear and engaging, with the potential to provoke discussion and challenge existing perspectives on media practices. Its focus on controversial topics contributes to ongoing debates about the role of journalism in democracy, making it a significant piece for readers interested in media ethics and political analysis.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several claims about the American mainstream news media's handling of the 2024 election, particularly in relation to Donald Trump. It critiques the media for failing to adequately cover Trump's campaign and alleged authoritarian tendencies. Specific claims, such as CNN's Mark Thompson advising staff to avoid pre-judging Trump, need verification. Additionally, the article mentions that major outlets like the Washington Post and LA Times engaged in anticipatory obedience, which requires further evidence. The claim that Jeff Bezos directed the Washington Post to focus on 'personal liberties and free markets' is significant and warrants verification. While the article raises important issues, the lack of direct evidence or detailed sourcing for these claims affects its overall accuracy.

5
Balance

The article predominantly presents a critical perspective on the media's handling of the 2024 election, focusing on perceived failures to challenge Trump's campaign effectively. It largely omits counterarguments or perspectives that might defend the media's actions or provide alternative explanations for their coverage choices. The narrative leans heavily towards criticizing the media for not being sufficiently adversarial or proactive in defending democratic norms. This lack of balance in presenting multiple viewpoints or acknowledging potential complexities in media coverage decisions results in a skewed portrayal of the issue.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting a coherent argument about the media's role in the 2024 election. It uses straightforward language and provides a logical flow of ideas, making it accessible to readers. However, the tone is quite critical and does not always maintain neutrality, which could affect the reader's perception of the content. Despite this, the main points are communicated effectively, allowing readers to follow the argument being made.

4
Source quality

The article references several named individuals, such as Rebecca Solnit and Dan Froomkin, who are credible voices in media criticism. However, it lacks direct citations or links to their original statements, which would enhance the credibility of the claims made. The piece does not provide sufficient attribution for some of its assertions, such as the alleged directives from media executives or the specific actions taken by major news outlets. This lack of detailed sourcing and reliance on secondary interpretations diminishes the overall reliability of the article.

4
Transparency

The article does not sufficiently disclose the basis for many of its claims, nor does it provide detailed explanations of the methodologies or sources behind its assertions. There is a lack of transparency regarding how the information was gathered or verified, and the article does not discuss potential conflicts of interest that might affect the perspectives presented. This lack of transparency hinders the reader's ability to fully assess the validity of the claims and understand the context in which they are made.

Sources

  1. https://www.salonscale.com/post/2024-salon-industry-predictions
  2. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extensions/dangerous-chemicals-detected-in-braiding-hair-cr-tested-a4850978424/
  3. https://www.salontoday.com/1088705/navigating-the-future-5-salon-trends-to-watch-in-2024
  4. https://www.healthpopuli.com/category/behavior-change/
  5. https://sparkalz.com/ar/hair-and-beauty-salon-business-plan-2024-a-complete-guide/