Link: US politicians fully embraced influencers in 2024, blurring lines between punditry and journalism and paving the way for lawmakers to become creators themselves (Makena Kelly/Wired)

Content creators have now become mainstream in political media, sidestepping traditional press to deliver political messages directly online. This year, big names like Joe Biden and Donald Trump engaged with influencers, signaling a shift from classic press interactions.

Rob Flaherty, deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris, emphasized the diminishing value of traditional news outlets in general elections, noting their audience is already secured.

The influencer industry, now worth $250 billion, sees a huge majority of young Americans following social media influencers. A recent survey shows that 20% of US adults get their news from influencers, highlighting a significant shift in media consumption patterns.

Politicians have increasingly integrated creators into their campaigns, blurring lines between journalism and content creation. While creators often lack strict editorial standards, they fulfill a similar role to journalists by disseminating news online.

Looking ahead, the role of influencers could expand to politicians themselves utilizing creator tactics to engage directly with voters. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jeff Jackson, among others, are already using such strategies to communicate their political messages.

Caleb Brock, a senior digital strategist, suggests future candidates might need to adopt creator-like personas to succeed, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and engagement in political communication. #

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