The Troubling World of News Influencers

CREATOR NEWSLETTER


Yesterday, the Pew Research Center released a report offering insights on the growing role of creators in the news landscape. The report analyzed over 500 “news influencers” covering topics like current events and civic engagement, who each had over 100,000 followers across major social media platforms. It also studied the news habits of 10,658 Americans.

The report reveals a significant imbalance in news influencer demographics: men comprise 63% of influencers, outnumbering women, who make up 30%. Additionally, the report finds a slight rightward tilt, with 27% identifying as right-leaning compared to 21% as left-leaning.

According to the research, social media news consumption is high among young people (40%) and Americans at large (20%). As a result, worries arise about the disproportionate impact of male and right-wing perspectives on shaping public opinion. Reporter Charlotte Colombo breaks down the report’s findings below.


CULTURE

Pew Research Study Shows News Influencers Skew Male and Right-Wing

Woman talking with news microphones in front of her

If you’re a professional (or semi-professional) content creator, then you’re going to want the best editing software for your phone. CapCut has long been at the forefront of smartphone editing, and CapCut Pro brings the feature set to truly professional levels. Give it a try for 7 days totally free, then consider signing up for an annual or monthly subscription. It’s well worth the investment.


IN THE BIZ


PLATFORMS

Is There Actually a Twitch Adpocalypse?

A conspiracy is spreading that Twitch’s controversies are leading to an advertiser exodus.

By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor

Twitch logo on cube over graphic of stocks charts

TOOLS REVIEW

capcut desktop - Single panel design with a hand holding up an iphone watching a comic with captions written out below him. The log for "CapCut" is off to the right and predominate in the design.

Capcut Desktop Is a Powerful Addition to Amature and Pro Video Creators Tool Boxes

CapCut Desktop brings the power of the mobile app to your personal computer.

By John-Michael Bond, Passionfruit Contributor


WHAT’S TRENDING


WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • The Appeal of Hours-Long YouTube Recaps

    The Appeal of Hours-Long YouTube Recaps

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 37 | April 28, 2022 As I write this, I am three hours deep into YouTuber Quinton Hoover’s first iCarly recap, which clocks in just under five hours. If you think that’s bizarre, it’s not as unusual as it seems. Uber-long YouTube videos like Hoover’s have risen in popularity over the past couple…

  • Nikita Dragun’s New Chapter

    Nikita Dragun’s New Chapter

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 38 | May 5, 2022 Nikita Dragun is a complicated fixture in the creator space. She’s one of the most visible and outspoken trans influencers in the world. She’s also become infamous for drama and controversy over the past few years. Scandal has been a driving force in her career thus far, following her from YouTube to…

  • 👻 Snapchat Fails Black Creators

    👻 Snapchat Fails Black Creators

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 40 | May 19, 2022 Since the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020, many platforms have pledged to support Black creators through dedicated funds and incubator programs. The creator economy, like many other industries, has been facing an ongoing reckoning over the racial biases impacting Black creators. Still,…