Traditional Media vs. YouTube & Podcasts
What is the future of news?
The media landscape is undergoing a massive transformation. Politicians, once reliant on legacy media for exposure, are now increasingly turning to podcasts and YouTube channels to communicate directly with voters.
This shift raises critical questions about political accountability, media integrity, and how the public consumes information.
I sat down with Mike Le Couteur, senior political correspondent at CTV News, to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both mainstream and alternative media—and what this shift means for democracy.
The Rise of Alternative Media: Where Politicians Are Going
The dominance of legacy media—CTV, CBC, Global News—has been challenged by the rapid rise of independent podcasts and YouTube-based journalism. These platforms offer long-form, unfiltered conversations, giving politicians a chance to control their message without interruption.
Recent high-profile examples of this shift include:
Donald Trump appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, bypassing traditional media entirely to directly engage Rogan’s massive audience.
Pierre Poilievre, Conservative leader in Canada, choosing to sit down with Jordan B. Peterson, a sympathetic interviewer with a massive following, rather than facing scrutiny from mainstream outlets.
The Bigger Than Me Podcast, proving independent platforms can hold real political weight, hosting all four major provincial leaders during the last British Columbia election, something no mainstream outlet accomplished.
This shift is not just about reach—it’s about control. Politicians can choose their interviewers, avoid challenging follow-ups, and speak directly to audiences that already align with their views.
The Strengths & Weaknesses of Traditional Media
Legacy media still plays a critical role in political accountability. Outlets like CTV, CBC, and The Globe and Mail have rigorous journalistic standards, requiring fact-checking, editorial oversight, and ethical reporting.
Le Couteur emphasized the importance of trained journalists in pressing politicians on key issues:
"Political accountability is not just about what a politician says today, but how it compares to what they said yesterday, last week, or last year. Our job is to make sure those statements align—and if they don’t, to ask why."
However, mainstream media is facing real challenges:
Short-form interviews – Political interviews often last just a few minutes, limiting in-depth discussion.
Distrust from audiences – Many believe legacy media is biased or failing to reflect alternative viewpoints.
Declining influence – Politicians don’t need traditional outlets anymore to reach voters, reducing their willingness to engage.
Political Strategy: Picking & Choosing Interviews
A concerning trend is that politicians are now actively avoiding tough interviews. Instead of facing neutral, experienced interviewers, they are opting for more controlled conversations on podcasts and social media.
"We used to have year-end sit-down interviews with the Prime Minister across multiple networks," Le Couteur noted. "Now, we see politicians choosing carefully curated platforms where they won’t face tough, unexpected questions."
Examples include:
Pierre Poilievre avoiding CBC and CTV but regularly appearing on conservative-friendly outlets like True North Media.
Mark Carney, a likely Liberal leadership candidate, introducing himself through the BBC and Jon Stewart, rather than Canadian networks.
Justin Trudeau, while still engaging with legacy media, increasingly turning to podcasts and influencer-style interviews.
The danger in this strategy is that it limits accountability. When politicians choose their interviewers, they can evade tough questions and craft their image without challenge.
Can Alternative and Traditional Media Coexist?
The reality is that both mainstream and alternative media have value. Podcasts and YouTube offer longer, deeper conversations, while traditional media maintains higher journalistic standards.
For democracy to function properly, politicians must engage with both. If they only appear on friendly platforms, they avoid the scrutiny necessary for an informed electorate.
As media consumers, we should:
Seek information from multiple sources – Don’t just follow one side—challenge yourself with different perspectives.
Hold politicians accountable – If they avoid tough interviews, ask why.
Support ethical journalism – Whether traditional or independent, quality reporting is essential for democracy.
A Media Tug-of-War
The battle for political influence between traditional media and new media is redefining how Canadians engage with politics. Podcasts and YouTube offer fresh, engaging conversations, but journalistic integrity must remain a priority.
As voters, we must demand transparency and ensure that politicians don’t just pick easy interviews—but instead face the tough questions that truly test their leadership.