Legacy Media in a Changing Texas

Across the country, legacy newsrooms are losing ground as TikTok, Substack, and independent creators claim more of the political conversation. One in five Americans now regularly get news on TikTok, up from just 3% in 2020; among adults under 30, it’s 43%. Legacy outlets everywhere are trying to adapt to this new reality. That set the stage for a frank panel on what this means in Texas politics specifically: how traditional outlets fight to keep pace with digital-first voices while protecting trust.

“The great thing about journalism is that you don’t need a license—anyone can do it. But that’s also the drawback.” said Renzo Downey of The Texas Tribune. He explained that while new digital voices are reshaping coverage, traditional outlets must know both what their audience wants and what their audience needs—a delicate balance.

🔑 Top takeaways from the panel:

• Credibility is currency: Accuracy and fairness remain the bedrock of legacy journalism in an influencer-saturated landscape.
• Adapt, but don’t chase clout: Journalists experiment with TikToks and Reels but resist the pull to become “influencers.”
• Editorial judgment matters: Sensational stories, like politicians’ personal affairs, aren’t worth newsroom resources unless tied to public interest.
• Pitch smart, pitch real: Reporters prefer authentic tips and real voices over mass-produced PR pitches.
• Coverage follows power: Whichever party is in charge—Republicans now, Democrats in decades past—will bear the brunt of scrutiny.