The mainstream media in 2026 are dying, but citizen journalism is replacing them.
The New York Times might layoff or fire half of its writers.
CNN is mostly useless.
The main media outlets are based in Washington, D.C., or New York, leaving the rest of the nation under covered.
Trust in media has fallen to about 28 percent, according to a Gallup poll.
It is remarkable just how hard legacy media fell after 2021.
— Balaji (@balajis) November 24, 2024
For generations, they had the ear of decision makers. People really trusted them! And they exploited that to attack everyone viciously in the 2010s. But now we know that was the last stand.
Their century is over. pic.twitter.com/gHPz1QFyZZ
The few remaining local news reporters are bombarded with hundreds of requests they probably don’t have time to look into.
The New York Times has announced a 15% increase in the price it charges for its steadily deteriorating product.
— Richard H. Ebright (@R_H_Ebright) January 24, 2026
This follows a 15% increase last year.
Yet they are bewildered they are losing subscribers. pic.twitter.com/fFYnQem11D
Legacy media is dying.pic.twitter.com/YxYP33NS3S
— Community Notes & Violations (@CNviolations) January 20, 2026
And the future looks even more grim for legacy media as trust has declined the most among younger Americans.
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) October 2, 2025
Legacy media has lost the power to construct, control, and set the narrative. pic.twitter.com/rIAiwvmPSR
The death of legacy media gets debated by two of the worst people who killed it. Now, THAT'S hilarity! https://t.co/lcX9CeJjRx pic.twitter.com/70RyR5AiKz
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 28, 2026
As legacy media has died, good writers have split to Substack, independent journalism, and have even become social media influencers.
If Nick Shirley, a 23-year-old, can expose millions of dollars in fraud in Minnesota, then you can uncover local secrets as well in your town and state.
All you need is a camera, a basic knowledge of records requests, and curiosity. If you’re fed up with cable news and terrible media sites, then create the journalism that you’d want to read.
If you can't pitch to a local newspaper, then post on Facebook or social media groups or bring your findings to the city council meeting.