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Musk and VandeHei Clash Over Media Definition in the Post-Election Landscape

In a recent exchange reflecting the growing tensions between traditional media and social media dynamics, Axios CEO Jim VandeHei and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk engaged in a heated debate about the role and definition of “the media” following the recent election.

On November 6, shortly after Donald Trump was declared president-elect, Musk addressed his followers on X, declaring, “You are the media now.” This assertion has been echoed by Musk in subsequent weeks, emphasizing a shift towards citizen journalism and public discourse.

In a passionate speech, VandeHei responded during a ceremony where he and Axios co-founder Mike Allen received the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award. He expressed strong opposition to Musk’s narrative, stating, “I hate this damn debate about, like, ‘Oh, we don’t need the media.’ Everything we do is under fire.” His remarks drew applause from the audience, highlighting a shared concern among journalists regarding the impact of social media on public trust and the media’s role in society.

VandeHei challenged Musk’s claim of being part of the media, saying, “Bulls—. You’re not the media.” He elaborated further, contrasting the responsibilities of journalists with the superficiality of social media commentary. “Having a blue checkmark, a Twitter handle, and 300 words of cleverness doesn’t make you a reporter,” he remarked, comparing it to claiming to be a neurosurgeon without the requisite qualifications and experience.

The Diminishing Role of Traditional Media

Emphasizing the rigorous work journalists do every day, VandeHei condemned the ease with which opinions can be expressed on social media platforms, underscoring that true reporting requires dedication and a commitment to uncovering the truth. He pointed out that meaningful journalism involves careful investigation and an objective approach, rather than simply sharing opinions on social media.

Musk responded on his platform, sharing a clip of VandeHei’s speech and retorting, “Yeah, whatever lmao,” while reiterating his stance that “You are the media now.” In a separate post, he commented on an article that framed VandeHei’s remarks as a meltdown, reinforcing his assertion that citizen journalists are overtaking traditional media avenues.

The State of Trust in News Media

VandeHei’s comments reflect a broader concern within the journalism community about the erosion of credibility in traditional media. A Gallup study released in October indicated that trust in the news media is at a historic low, with only 31% of Americans expressing a significant level of confidence in the media’s reporting. Furthermore, the same study found that 36% of U.S. adults reported having no trust at all in the media, positioning journalism as the least trusted institution among various civic and political entities.

In his address, VandeHei noted that legacy media has strayed from its foundational principle of honesty, which he sees as critical for rebuilding public trust. “The legacy media forgot that honesty really is the best policy,” he said, implying that this disconnect has allowed social media platforms to fill the void left by traditional news outlets.

Musk’s assertions, framed as empowerment for the average citizen, challenge conventional media narratives but also raise questions about the quality and reliability of information shared on social media. As the dynamics of information dissemination continue to evolve, the clash between traditional journalism and social media platforms remains a pivotal topic of discussion.

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