The Shattered Glass Election: How News and Information Are Changing in 2024

The 2024 presidential election shattered the mainstream media’s dominance in shaping narratives and realities, ushering in a new era of information dissemination. In this “shards of glass” election, both campaigns have targeted specific, often overlooked audiences through unconventional media appearances and precise ad targeting.

Former President Trump reached a vast audience of male voters through a three-hour conversation on Joe Rogan’s podcast, garnering 33 million views. Vice President Kamala Harris, on the other hand, connected with young women on podcasts like “Call Her Daddy” and “The Shade Room.”

This fragmented reality is not just limited to elections but also extends to how Americans consume information about various topics. From memes to prediction markets, long-form podcasts to influencer engagements, the landscape of news and information has evolved significantly.

Traditional media still plays a role in shaping narratives, but the majority of information dissemination now happens through quick video bites, podcasts, and social platforms. Reaching younger audiences, who are increasingly turning away from traditional outlets, requires a mix of video platforms, influencer engagements, and podcasts.

The campaigns of both Harris and Trump have adapted to this new reality, focusing on chopping appearances into smaller clips for wider dissemination. This shift in media consumption has reordered the information ecosystem on a massive scale.

As TV audiences continue to decline, political ads are shifting towards connected TV, streaming, and digital platforms. However, the scattered nature of information dissemination also poses challenges, such as the spread of conspiracy theories and manipulation of news.

The future of media and information dissemination is evolving rapidly, with the outcome of the election potentially accelerating this transition. Whether Harris or Trump wins, the landscape of media and information will continue to transform, with new players like Elon Musk potentially shaping the future of mass media.