The Rise of Progressive Digital Media: A New Era of Political Influence

1. The Shift from Traditional to Digital Media in Progressive Politics

In the wake of a contentious Oval Office meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Senator Adam Schiff appeared not on MSNBC or CNN but on the YouTube channel of MeidasTouch Network, a digital media company known for its outspoken critiques of Trump. Over 2.2 million people watched Schiff’s impassioned remarks, a testament to the growing influence of digital-first outlets in progressive politics. MeidasTouch, founded by brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas in 2020, has become a leader in this space, offering a constant stream of videos, podcasts, and social media posts that resonate with progressives eager for content that aligns with their values.

The rise of MeidasTouch and similar platforms reflects a broader shift in how progressives consume and engage with political content. Traditional television, once the dominant medium for political discourse, is losing ground to digital platforms. While Fox News remains the ratings leader among cable news networks, Democrats are increasingly turning to digital media to reach younger, more engaged audiences. This shift is driven by the recognition that digital platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for outreach, engagement, and community-building.

2. The Growing Influence of Progressive Digital Media

MeidasTouch is at the forefront of this digital media revolution. With 4.3 million YouTube subscribers, a podcast that briefly surpassed Joe Rogan’s show in popularity, and a roster of contributors including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, the platform has become a go-to destination for progressives seeking a counter-narrative to Trump and Republican dominance. The network’s content is unapologetically partisan, with titles like “Trump in Panic After Caving Like a Coward” and “Democratic Leaders Destroy Trump in Red Districts.” For its devoted fans, known as the Meidas Mighty, the platform offers a sense of hope and solidarity, presenting an alternate reality where Democrats are ascendant and Republicans are in disarray.

The success of MeidasTouch is not an isolated phenomenon. Other progressive outlets, such as “Pod Save America” and “The Young Turks,” have also seen significant growth in recent months. “Pod Save America,” hosted by former Obama operatives, has experienced a 70% increase in listeners since mid-January, while “The Young Turks” saw a 208% jump in YouTube subscribers last month. These platforms are fast becoming power brokers in Democratic politics, helping to shape the narrative and mobilize support for progressive causes.

3. Democrats’ Embrace of Digital Media: Challenges and Opportunities

The shift to digital media is not without its challenges for Democrats. While platforms like MeidasTouch have found success, other attempts to embrace digital media have been less effective. For example, Senator Cory Booker’s efforts to lead the Senate Democratic Strategic Communications Committee have sometimes fallen flat, such as when he and other senators posted nearly identical responses to Trump’s speech to Congress. The incident highlighted the difficulty of crafting authentic, engaging content in the digital age.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. Booker’s committee has taken steps to improve Democrats’ digital media strategy, including hiring social media managers and inviting influencers like Brian Tyler Cohen to provide training for Democratic politicians. Cohen, a popular YouTube host with 3.9 million subscribers, has seen a surge in demand for his content, with 250,000 new subscribers in just two weeks. His success underscores the potential for digital media to amplify Democratic voices and reach younger audiences.

4. The Role of Influencers in Shaping Democratic Discourse

The rise of digital media has also highlighted the importance of influencers in shaping political discourse. Influencers like Cohen and Carlos Eduardo Espina, a left-wing influencer with 12.3 million TikTok followers, are playing an increasingly important role in amplifying Democratic messages. Espina’s coverage of Trump’s speech to Congress, for example, generated over 17 million views across 11 videos, demonstrating the reach and impact of influencer-driven content.

However, Democrats still lag behind Republicans in leveraging the power of influencer networks. While figures like Elon Musk and Ben Shapiro dominate right-wing media, the left has yet to produce comparable voices. This disparity is a major hurdle for Democrats seeking to compete in the digital arena. As Representative Ro Khanna noted, the right has created a sense of community and belonging in the digital world, something the left has yet to replicate.

5. The Importance of Consistency and Adaptation in Digital Media

One key to the success of right-wing media is its relentless consistency. Trump, in particular, has set the standard for frequent, high-energy communication, making it difficult for Democrats to keep up. As Tommy Vietor, co-host of “Pod Save America,” observed, the only way for Democrats to compete is to communicate constantly, across all platforms.

MeidasTouch has embraced this approach, posting dozens of short, Trump-focused segments daily. These bite-sized pieces of content are designed to maximize engagement and keep the platform at the top of podcast charts. In February alone, MeidasTouch logged 57.5 million podcast downloads, surpassing even Joe Rogan’s show. The network’s ability to adapt and evolve has been key to its success, as evidenced by its recent foray into a Substack newsletter, which has already attracted over 500,000 subscribers.

6. The Path Forward for Progressive Digital Media

Despite these successes, the road ahead for progressive digital media is not without challenges. While MeidasTouch and other outlets have made significant strides, they still lag behind their right-wing counterparts in terms of reach and influence. As Melissa Kiesche of Edison Research noted, MeidasTouch’s total reach is still far behind that of Joe Rogan, who boasts five times as many YouTube subscribers.

To close this gap, Democrats will need to continue investing in digital media and building relationships with influencers. Platforms like MeidasTouch offer a model for how this can be done, combining relentless content production with a deep understanding of progressive values. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ability of Democrats to adapt and thrive in the digital age will be crucial to their success.

In conclusion, the rise of progressive digital media represents a significant shift in how political discourse is shaped and consumed. Platforms like MeidasTouch are leading the charge, offering a counter-narrative to Trump and Republican dominance and helping to mobilize support for Democratic causes. While challenges remain, the potential of digital media to transform progressive politics is undeniable. As Democrats continue to embrace this new landscape, they may finally begin to replicate the influential media ecosystem that Republicans have built over the past decade.