The world prepares for the inauguration of Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States, who has the media in that country thinking about what his relationship with the White House will be like, which will now be occupied by the magnate, starting January 20, 2025.
Media companies are bracing themselves for a legal attack from Trump himself, as well as from federal agencies, which can theoretically thwart broadcast licenses, delve into tax or other issues to create difficulties for organizations that deviate from their line.
New York University journalism professor Adam Penenberg told AFP that American media, which normally compete in a fierce market, will have to cooperate to confront the threat posed by Trump.
“Trump’s second term promises to be less reality TV and more a vengeful comeback, especially for the press,” he said. “The question is not whether he will attack the media. He will do it. But can the media resist giving in to the weight of these attacks?
“There is nothing more important,” since “when the press falters, democracy pays the price,” he added.
Recent movements indicate that some media outlets have sought a conciliatory approach with Trump for this period, such as the network ABC, who opted for a settlement after Trump’s defamation lawsuit, without putting up a fight.
The American media landscape is also changing from two angles: the news channel and the owners.
With more consumers watching their news from social media, Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg announced the end of his fact-checking program in the United States, which has drawn criticism from Trump in the past.
The diary Washington Postby technology mogul and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, declined to take sides with any candidate before the presidential election.
Defense of journalism
“News media can prepare by strengthening legal defenses, building coalitions and strengthening cybersecurity to protect against attacks and leaks,” Penenberg explained.
The New York Times has faced multiple recriminations from Trump for his persistent and compelling reporting on his political, personal, financial and legal problems.
The newspaper warned that smaller media organizations may be unable to defend themselves against Trump’s legal threats.
“For smaller organizations, with less financial security, the expenses of defending themselves against lawsuits from Trump and his allies may be enough to encourage them to censor themselves,” he wrote in an editorial note.
For some, repression is already underway.
Trump sued the newspaper Des Moines Register and to a polling company in Iowa for a survey in which Vice President Kamala Harris was the winner in that state, which the Republican finally won.
The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University stated that such legal action could “intimidate” other media outlets.
Days before, the chain ABC Disney agreed to pay $15 million in damages to settle Trump’s lawsuit against a journalist and the news division for defamation, a decision seen as a retreat.
C.B.S. is also considering reaching an agreement with Trump’s demandswho accused the popular program 60 minutes of favoring Kamala Harris, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. CBS has not responded to requests for comment.
“Fake news”
Several organizations are reportedly reviewing their insurance contracts in case of defamation or other litigation by hostile officials.
Other media outlets work to protect their sources in the event of investigations into sensitive topics supported by informants.
Penenberg, an experienced editor, said that while some newsrooms should prepare to face lawsuits, others should prepare for pressure campaigns and regulatory harassment.
Other presidents have been hostile to the media
Former President Richard Nixon said he had “turned paranoia into an art form.”
Trump has long attacked the media for reporting what he considers “fake news,” while his nominee for FBI chief said: “I would go after people in the media who lied about American citizens”.
Journalism professor Mark Feldstein compared the efforts of big media and technology companies to appease Trump before his inauguration on January 20 to what “Russian oligarchs do with President Vladimir Putin.”
“It is understandable because Donald Trump has made it clear how vindictive he will be against those who oppose him,” explains Feldstein, who teaches at the University of Maryland.
“But the public depends on a free press for honest government officials,” he added.
