Journalists vs. Influencers at the DNC

Web3, AI and the creator economy in under 3 minutes per week!

Author

Shira Lazar
August 25, 2024

Hey, Alpha fam! I hope everyone has had a great week! Last week, we dove into my highlights from the White House Creator Economy Conference, and now I want to take a closer look at the Democratic National Convention and a topic fueling a lot of discussion! Let’s dive in:

At the Democratic National Convention (DNC), it wasn’t just Kamala’s big speech or viral moments from President Joe Biden, Tim Walz and his son, Oprah Winfrey, or Kerry Washington and Kamala’s nieces that captured everyone’s attention. A major point of discussion was the influx of digital creators.

This year, the DNC welcomed over 200 content creators, giving them prime access and inviting them to speak at the convention for the first time.

The DNC’s decision to prioritize influencers highlights a shift in how information is consumed and shared. It recognizes the significant impact social media talent has on political discourse and storytelling, offering a direct connection to the community.

Some might say these influencers are vying for prestige alongside seasoned journalists, who have seen their industry hit hard in recent years due to cost-cutting and consolidation, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of journalism jobs. Others might argue that influencers aren’t competing for a seat at the table but are instead creating their own, with more leverage than ever before.

Since 2016, the media landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok. By 2023, Pew Research found that 83% of U.S. adults use YouTube, 68% use Facebook, 47% use Instagram, and 33% use TikTok. Half of all adults now get their news from social media.

Many journalists from traditional media have started their own brands over the years, like Mosheh who had been at CBS News and Jessica Yellin, a former CNN Chief White House Correspondent. Others, like V Spehar from Under The Desk News, have never participated in legacy media; instead, they ride the wave of their own talent to address needs that traditional outlets have overlooked.

This post from Nimay Ndolo, responding to Stephen Colbert’s joke about influencers at the DNC, says it all:

While Colbert appears to mock creator Carlos Eduardo Espina, who spoke at the DNC and engages 14 million followers with his daily Spanish news, suggesting his parents might be disappointed he left law to "do TikTok," Ndolo emphasizes what many like Colbert are clearly missing.

Creators are not just individuals who left their jobs to pursue TikTok trends or people who couldn’t make it doing something else—they represent a variety of industries and backgrounds, addressing gaps that traditional media has failed to cover. Espina is an inspiration, and what he has built is not just powerful—it’s the future of media and how we all consume content and news.

Even if he were doing dances or trends to inform the public (which he isn’t, but you get the point), that would be impressive, too—because it taps into how the younger generation likes to engage with content.

This conversation is even more critical now, with AI spreading misinformation, creating deep fakes, and a general public sentiment challenging the trustworthiness of all media.

Traditional journalists also argue that creators may lack the experience, neutrality, and rigorous research required to deliver the news accurately. While this might be true in some cases, it doesn’t paint the full picture and can be presumptive. As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, journalists are often at the discretion of their editors or Executive Producers. In contrast, creators are driven by their passions and interests—and by their bosses—their community.

The DNC certainly provided a glimpse into how this debate might influence the future of media and politics. As Lissette, who commented on Ndolo’s video, aptly notes, 'We’re all content creators—some just happen to have the privilege of a media company staff.'

My hot take🔥:I personally see a future where both can coexist. I think there’s a place for journalists as creators and creators as journalists. The bigger focus should be on creating equal access and ensuring that traditional media doesn’t view digital creators as separate or perhaps as competition, but as collaborators. We would do much better if we worked together. There’s a lot we can learn from each other, so my hope is for more respectful discourse vs conflict or debate between the two. Creators aren’t going anywhere, so I hope we can be more valued and respected.

Shira Lazar

For more on this topic, check out my newsletter from last week, where I shared about my experience at the White House Creator Economy Conference.

Keeping my eye on…

Conde Nast x OpenAI Partnership

The partnership between OpenAI and Condé Nast marks a significant development in how media is engaging with AI to enhance content discovery and distribution. With influential publications like Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair, Condé Nast has long been a leader in the luxury fashion sector. By incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT and SearchGPT, the company aims to offer a more “streamlined” and “user-friendly” experience for audiences exploring its high-end content, especially in fashion.

But does this integration of AI truly add value, or is it just another instance of companies embracing AI as a trend? While the use of AI raises important questions about the future of traditional journalism, this collaboration could signal a broader shift in the media landscape—one that goes beyond mere content licensing.

Other headlines to check out:

Web3

Creator Economy 

AI

 Gentle reminder 🤲 

If you want to make a meaningful impact in the world, focus on what brings you joy and peace. 

That inner fulfillment will naturally create a ripple effect. 

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,