It is most frequently seen on social media: the new marketing campaigns of major newspapers aimed at getting new subscribers using a narrative that relates the presence of Trump in the White House to the need for readers to be more informed than ever.
I have no doubt that we Americans are reading more news and getting more involved with political news, specifically, since President Trump began his campaign 18 months ago, and after his inauguration. If Trump is king and protagonist of his own show, one can assert that the media plays a robust role as well.
Remember, this is a President who refers to the “media” as the opposition party, and who uses the media's “dislike of him and his policies” as red meat to throw at his supporters, who not only love it but buy it. That is why I am not surprised that major news organizations are using this as key points in their marketing campaigns.
This marketing strategy must be working, considering that so many brands are turning to it as a way to sell subscriptions to their products.
Meanwhile at Saturday Night Live
Newspapers may not be the only media “benefitting” from the turmoil and craziness of everything related to the Trump presidency.
In fact, Saturday Night Live, the iconic TV show, is enjoying a renaissance of sorts with its impersonations of Trump and company. Here is how The New York Times put it:
As Mr. Trump’s political fortunes have risen, “Saturday Night Live” has benefited, at least in ratings, from its perceived status as the official television opposition to him and, now, his administration. Based on Saturday’s episode, it will be a hard if not impossible task to keep up for four years, if Mr. Trump stays in power that long and keeps making news — and outraging much of the country — at his current rate.