Influencers vs. Journalists: A New Media Battleground at the DNC

Scores of social media influencers are taking on journalists for access and prestige at the Democratic National Convention. This first-ever embrace by the DNC highlights the growing importance of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram in political campaigns, especially in reaching younger voters. Traditional journalists, however, are facing restricted access and reduced space.

Scores of social media influencers are battling journalists for access, prestige, and workspace at this week's national convention where the Democratic Party hopes their viral online videos will boost Kamala Harris' presidential aspirations.

The Democratic National Convention credentialed over 200 'content creators' for the four-day event at Chicago's United Center arena. This marks the first-ever embrace of social media influencers by the Democrats, targeting users who reach millions of younger Americans who typically do not engage with traditional news.

'We're giving creators a front-row seat to history,' said Matt Hill, the convention's senior director of communications. This shift acknowledges the burgeoning influence of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. According to Pew Research Center, 83% of U.S. adults use YouTube, and 33% use TikTok.

(With inputs from agencies.)