Conservative Media Ascends in the Era of Trump
The Trump Era: A Catalyst for Conservative Media Explosion
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 witnessed the resurgence of conservative media, a trend that gained momentum during the Trump era. Fox News Digital caught up with CPAC attendees to gauge their perspectives on the transformation.
CPAC dates back to 1974, but it was Donald Trump’s 2017 speech that marked a turning point for the conference, propelling it into the modern era. The Trump administration’s embrace of new media, including podcasting and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has played a significant role in shaping the current media landscape.
White House Embraces New Media
The White House has embraced the diversity of new media, recognizing its influence in reaching different demographics. President Trump’s appearances on popular podcasts, such as "This Past Weekend" and "The Joe Rogan Experience," have significantly expanded his reach, especially among younger audiences.
CPAC Attendees Commend New Media
CPAC attendees expressed their appreciation for the inclusion of new media outlets and content creators in the press briefing room. Kellie Lynch, a CPAC attendee, stated, "I think the diversity of new media would be a great addition to the media landscape."
Young attendees particularly praised the impact of podcasts in engaging with their generation. John Taber remarked, "I listened to President Trump’s interview on Joe Rogan. I think that really spoke to a demographic that’s typically not spoken to by politicians."
White House Rapid Response and Elon Musk’s Influence
The White House established an official rapid response account, @RapidResponse47, to disseminate key interview moments and highlight the administration’s accomplishments. CPAC attendees found this account particularly useful for staying informed and engaging in debates.
Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter has also played a significant role in amplifying conservative voices. Tiffany Cianci, who runs "TikTok Town Hall," noted that "Trump made his presence known on TikTok and saw the benefits of how it could connect him to his audience."
Legacy Media Acknowledges Conservative Shift
As social media platforms become more receptive to conservative views, legacy media outlets are also adjusting their stance. Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media, recognized a gap in the industry and launched his family-friendly media company to cater to the growing demand for conservative content.
Abbott believes that a "tremendous fear" of being labeled conservative prevented many from expressing their true opinions in the past. However, with the success of conservative candidates, people are becoming more comfortable and vocal about their perspectives.
Conservative Heartland Unites
Bode Brewer, a CPAC attendee from Pennsylvania, echoed this sentiment. He believes that conservatives have always been a substantial portion of the population but lacked the platform to amplify their voices. "The conservatives were always there, they were just never activated," he said.
The Trump era and the subsequent rise of conservative media have empowered and unified conservative voices, providing them with a platform to share their perspectives and connect with like-minded individuals. The future of media is poised to be increasingly shaped by this conservative resurgence.
