The Rise Of News Influencers: How They’re Reshaping Traditional Media

Forbes - Feb 7th, 2025
Open on Forbes

TikTok content creators are increasingly influencing how news is consumed, as seen during their recent gathering outside the Capitol to oppose a potential TikTok ban. These 'news influencers,' such as Lisa Remillard and V Spehar, offer real-time updates and relatable insights that resonate with younger audiences. According to Pew Research, one in five Americans, particularly those under 30, rely on these creators for news, highlighting a shift from traditional media sources. As trust in mainstream media declines, platforms like TikTok and independent creators are filling the gap by providing timely, digestible content that engages and informs audiences.

The rise of news influencers signifies a broader transformation in the media landscape, marked by the decline in trust in traditional news outlets. Creators like Aaron Parnas exemplify the potential of these new media voices to offer coverage that is both immediate and relatable. Platforms like Substack and Patreon enable these influencers to monetize their efforts, fostering independence from corporate media. With the White House opening its press room to bloggers and influencers, the integration of these new media voices into mainstream news seems imminent, potentially restoring public confidence in the media through innovative collaboration.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive look at the rise of news influencers and their impact on traditional media. It effectively uses credible sources to support its claims and engages readers with timely and relevant content. While it maintains a high level of accuracy and balance, the article could benefit from enhanced transparency and additional perspectives to provide a more rounded view of the media landscape. Overall, it is a well-structured and engaging piece that addresses a topic of significant public interest, with the potential to influence readers' perceptions of news consumption.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents factual claims that are largely supported by external sources, such as the Pew Research Center's findings on the prevalence of news influencers and their impact on young audiences. For instance, it accurately states that one in five Americans get their news from these influencers, with a higher percentage among adults under 30. However, some claims, such as the exact number of creators applying for the White House briefing room initiative, require further verification. Overall, the article maintains a high level of accuracy, though some specific examples and speculative claims would benefit from additional corroboration.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the rise of news influencers, highlighting both their potential benefits and challenges. It discusses the decline in trust in traditional media and how influencers are filling that gap, while also acknowledging that not all influencers can maintain long-term attention. However, the article could improve its balance by including more perspectives from traditional media representatives or critics of news influencers, which would provide a more comprehensive view of the ongoing media landscape transformation.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it accessible to readers. It uses straightforward language and provides a logical flow of information, from defining news influencers to discussing their impact and future role. However, some sections, particularly those discussing complex media trends, could benefit from more detailed explanations or examples to enhance reader comprehension.

8
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as the Pew Research Center, which adds authority to its claims about the prevalence and impact of news influencers. It also provides examples of specific influencers, like Aaron Parnas and V Spehar, which help illustrate the broader trends discussed. However, the article could benefit from more direct quotes or insights from media experts or additional studies to enhance the reliability of its analysis.

6
Transparency

The article offers some context about the rise of news influencers and their impact on media consumption. However, it lacks detailed explanations of how the data was collected or the methodologies behind certain claims, such as the percentage of Americans getting news from influencers. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence its reporting, which could improve its transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2024/11/18/americas-news-influencers/
  2. https://www.tiktok.com/@underthedesknews?lang=en
  3. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/about-20-of-americans-get-their-news-from-social-media-influencers-report-finds
  4. https://www.socialnewsdesk.com/blog/the-power-of-influencers-in-news-navigating-the-new-media-landscape/
  5. https://www.tiktok.com/@underthedesknews/live