The Co-founder and Publisher of Raw Story, Michael Rogers, visited the Politics Done Right set at Netroots Nation 2024 to discuss how AI harms publishing and the Democratic Party’s failure to support Progressive media.
Michael Rogers, Co-founder & Publisher of Raw Story
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The media landscape is evolving. Traditional journalism is grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and shifting economic priorities. Michael Rogers, the co-founder and publisher of Raw Story, offers a candid and critical perspective on the state of progressive media and its challenges. In a recent discussion, Rogers delved into the existential threats posed by AI to the publishing industry, the disheartening influence of establishment politics on media funding, and the need for progressive voices to reclaim control over the narratives shaping our democracy.
The AI Threat to Journalism
Rogers begins by addressing the growing menace of AI-generated content. He notes that AI is increasingly responsible for producing a staggering volume of articles, often with little regard for accuracy or journalistic integrity. These machine-generated pieces are not just proliferating; they are flooding the internet, often at the expense of genuine, hard-earned journalism. Rogers laments how these algorithms are designed to churn out content at an industrial scale and steal and repurpose content from sites like Raw Story, which invest in real investigative journalism. The implications are dire: not only is the quality of information deteriorating, but misinformation is also spreading, particularly as we approach critical moments like the upcoming presidential election.
This phenomenon is a clear example of how capitalism, when left unchecked, can undermine democratic institutions. The pursuit of profit through cost-cutting measures, like replacing journalists with AI, is hollowing out the very foundation of an informed electorate. The consequences of this shift could be catastrophic, especially as disinformation campaigns find new avenues to manipulate public opinion.
The Establishment’s Role in Undermining Progressive Media
Beyond the threat of AI, Rogers also critiques the role of establishment politics in stifling independent progressive media. He shares his frustration with organizations like the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and other Democratic-affiliated entities that, year after year, fail to invest in independent media outlets. Instead, these groups funnel vast amounts of money into platforms like Facebook and Google, where the messaging is often diluted or misaligned with the needs of the grassroots.
This is not just a matter of misplaced priorities; it indicates a broader systemic issue within the Democratic establishment. The decision-makers within these organizations are often disconnected from the realities on the ground. They prioritize short-term gains and easy metrics—like securing bargain rates for ad placements—over long-term investments in building a robust, independent media ecosystem. This approach is shortsighted and detrimental to the broader progressive movement, which relies on media to educate, mobilize, and inspire action.
The Need for a New Progressive Media Model
The progressive media must break free from these establishment constraints and adopt a new model that draws inspiration from successful grassroots movements. The Bernie Sanders campaign was a pioneering example of how to fundraise from the bottom up, using small donations to build a massive, people-powered war chest. This approach should be the blueprint for progressive media. Rather than relying on a few large donors or corporate sponsors, outlets like Raw Story should cultivate a broad support base from their readership. This is the model of our progressive media platform that includes our blogs, media/radio programs, books, and articles buttressed by this newsletter is working on. This is why we ask those who can support us to become paid supporters of our newsletter, which affords you access to all our books on this platform.
This model democratizes funding and strengthens the bond between media outlets and their audiences. By relying on small, recurring donations, progressive media can remain independent and true to their mission, free from big money and corporate influence pressures. Rogers acknowledges that this is not an easy path, but it is necessary if progressive media are to survive and thrive in the digital age.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the conversation draws to a close, Rogers expresses his deep concern for the future of democracy, particularly in light of the challenges discussed. He urges his audience to focus their energy on mobilizing voters and pushing back against the encroaching forces of AI-driven misinformation and establishment apathy. For Rogers, the battle for democracy is not just about winning elections; it’s about ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that the media that represents them remains vibrant and independent.
Rogers’ insights serve as a sobering reminder that the fight for progressive change is not just political but also media. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of journalism and as establishment forces attempt to control the narrative, it is up to progressive voices to resist, innovate, and build a media ecosystem that truly serves the public interest. The stakes are high, but with determination and a commitment to grassroots principles, there is hope that progressive media can survive and lead the charge in reclaiming democracy for the people.
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