Mainstream Media Loses Viewers While Alternative News Grows

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Recent data reveals a significant decline in viewership for mainstream media outlets following the 2024 election, while alternative news sources experience growth.

The election season proved challenging for traditional media, beginning with their coverage of Joe Biden’s debate performance, which exposed cognitive concerns previously downplayed by major networks. The subsequent Democratic Party’s decision to replace Biden with Kamala Harris, focusing on themes of “joy” and “democracy,” further strained media credibility.

Liberal ratings dive as viewers abandon MSNBC and CNN, with shows losing up to 67% of their audiences. pic.twitter.com/00qp55tKC2

— Robert Gouveia Esq. (@RobGouveiaEsq) November 14, 2024

The Republican Party’s sweeping victory across presidential and congressional races, despite some contested outcomes in down-ballot races involving late vote counting, marked a turning point for media viewership patterns.

The aftermath has been particularly harsh for cable news networks. CNN witnessed a 36% decrease in audience numbers post-election, while MSNBC experienced an even steeper decline, losing 54% of its viewers.

In contrast, The Gateway Pundit reports a 20% increase in readership during the same period, with daily page visits reaching approximately 3.5 million in recent weeks.

The election disproved the corporate media's pieties, and audiences are now abandoning these networks in droves. @ggreenwald on the corporate media's abysmal prime-time ratings: pic.twitter.com/zSedVJiFLY

— System Update (@SystemUpdate_) November 19, 2024

This shift in media consumption patterns highlights evolving reader preferences and trust dynamics in news reporting. Despite facing various restrictions and criticism, alternative news platforms continue to maintain audience growth, suggesting a changing landscape in information dissemination.

The success demonstrates the ongoing importance of establishing credibility with readers, even in the face of institutional challenges and industry obstacles.