Legacy Media vs. Independent Media
A Reflection from My Perspective
As someone deeply invested in fostering thoughtful, nuanced conversations, I’ve noticed a growing divide between legacy media and independent journalism. This was a key theme in my recent conversation with Holly Doan, the publisher of Blacklock’s Reporter, on the Bigger Than Me Podcast.
Our discussion explored the shifting dynamics of the media landscape, touching on the influence of podcasts like Joe Rogan’s, the rise of platforms like True North, and controversial moments like Keean Bexte’s confrontation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The insights shared during this conversation highlighted the critical role independent media plays and the challenges it faces.
Joe Rogan, Donald Trump, and Independent Media’s Unique Value
Joe Rogan’s interview with Donald Trump exemplified the growing influence of independent platforms. The long-form format allowed for a deeper, uninterrupted conversation—something audiences rarely see in legacy media.
Holly noted that podcasts are filling a void left by traditional outlets:
“People want more complex conversations than the four-minute segments you get on traditional news”.
I’ve witnessed this shift firsthand. Independent platforms like Rogan’s cater to an audience that craves substance over soundbites. I echoed this during our discussion:
“This format reflects a shift in audience preferences toward nuanced dialogue rather than soundbites”.
The format, however, isn’t without its challenges. As Holly rightly pointed out:
“There’s a possibility to manipulate the narrative, even in independent spaces. Fairness is key to gaining trust”.
The Case of True North Media
The rise of outlets like True North Media has sparked debates about legitimacy in journalism. These platforms often cover stories overlooked by legacy outlets, appealing to audiences who feel underserved by mainstream media.
I asked Holly a straightforward question:
“Is True North a legitimate news outlet?”.
Her response was thoughtful and nuanced. While she acknowledged the importance of diverse voices, she stressed the need for journalistic rigor:
“Citizen journalists have every right to enter the space, but they need to try harder to not just be zealots for a cause, whether it’s climate change or conservatism”.
This struck a chord with me. As someone who values balanced dialogue, I believe all outlets—whether legacy or independent—should strive for fairness and accountability.
Keean Bexte and the Limits of Access
Keean Bexte’s recent confrontation with Justin Trudeau in Tofino underscored the challenges independent journalists face in gaining access to high-profile figures. Bexte argued that his unorthodox approach was necessary because traditional channels often exclude independent voices.
Holly offered an intriguing perspective:
“If legacy media reporters had done the same thing, would it have been viewed differently?”.
I couldn’t help but reflect on this point. It’s easy to dismiss Bexte’s tactics as sensationalist, but his argument raises valid concerns about the barriers independent journalists face in being heard.
Legacy Media’s Decline
One of the most compelling parts of my conversation with Holly was her critique of legacy media. She argued that traditional outlets have strayed from their accountability role, aligning themselves too closely with political narratives:
“Legacy media has become professionalized to the point where journalists now see themselves as part of the ruling elite, shaping society rather than holding it accountable”.
This resonates with what I’ve observed. Many people feel disillusioned with legacy media, turning instead to platforms that aren’t afraid to ask tough questions or challenge power.
My Takeaway
The divide between legacy and independent media isn’t just about format or funding; it’s about trust. Platforms like Blacklock’s Reporter demonstrate that there’s still a hunger for journalism that prioritizes accountability over ideology.
As Holly put it:
“Journalism isn’t about making a better Canada. It’s about telling people things the government doesn’t want them to know”.
This conversation reaffirmed my belief that independent media is crucial in today’s landscape. While legacy outlets struggle to adapt, independent platforms are stepping up to fill the gaps. They’re not perfect—no outlet is—but they offer an alternative that reflects the complexities of our world.
In a time when trust in institutions is waning, the role of independent media has never been more important. It’s not about replacing legacy media entirely; it’s about creating a media ecosystem where all voices are heard, and no one is above scrutiny.
That’s the future of journalism I want to see—and one I hope we can all work toward.