Flat Earth News: How the Media Missed the Rise of Trump

In his groundbreaking book, Flat Earth News, Nick Davies takes a critical look at the state of journalism in the United States and how it failed to predict the rise of Donald Trump. Davies argues that the media has become increasingly polarized and sensationalist, and that this has led to a decline in trust in the profession. As a result, many Americans are now turning to alternative sources of news and information, which are often less reliable and more likely to spread misinformation.

The Decline of Trust in the Media

Davies begins by documenting the decline in trust in the media over the past few decades. He cites a number of factors that have contributed to this decline, including:

• The rise of partisan media: In the past, most news organizations tried to be objective and impartial. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards partisan media, which means that news organizations are more likely to report news in a way that favors one political party over another.
• The 24-hour news cycle: The 24-hour news cycle has made it more difficult for journalists to do in-depth reporting. They are often under pressure to produce stories quickly, which can lead to mistakes and inaccuracies.
• The spread of misinformation: The internet has made it easier than ever for people to spread misinformation. This has made it more difficult for people to know what information is accurate and what is not.

The Rise of Trump

Davies argues that the decline in trust in the media helped to pave the way for the rise of Donald Trump. Trump was able to capitalize on the public's distrust of the media by presenting himself as an outsider who was not beholden to the establishment. He also used social media to bypass the traditional media and communicate directly with his supporters.

The Future of Journalism

Davies concludes by arguing that the media needs to do a better job of rebuilding trust with the public. He calls for journalists to be more objective and impartial, and to do a better job of explaining the news to the public. He also believes that the media needs to find ways to combat the spread of misinformation.

Why You Should Read Flat Earth News

Flat Earth News is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the state of journalism in the United States. Davies provides a clear and concise analysis of the problems facing the media, and he offers some concrete solutions for how to fix them. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how Donald Trump was able to win the presidency, and for anyone who is concerned about the future of democracy.

About the Author

Nick Davies is a British journalist and author. He has worked for a number of newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, The Independent, and The Sunday Times. He is the author of several books, including Flat Earth News and The Hack Attack.