WATCH: CPAC attendees on how Republicans are winning the social media narrative
Conservative media has become a dominant force in shaping the modern media narrative, and attendees at CPAC 2025 are taking note. The annual Conservative Political Action Conference brings together conservative thinkers to discuss policy and hear from influential voices in the party. While CPAC has a long history dating back to 1974, it was President Donald Trump’s speech in 2017 that ushered the conference into its modern era.
This year, CPAC showcased the diversity of new media with media rows spanning several floors of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. From legacy mainstream media outlets to independent podcasters, the conference highlighted the growing influence of conservative voices in the media landscape.
The Trump administration has embraced this new media landscape by opening up a “new media seat” in the White House press briefing room for influencers, podcasters, content creators, and independent journalists. This move has led to thousands of media applications flooding into the White House following the announcement by press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Attendees at CPAC 2025 discussed how conservatives are capitalizing on the new media landscape to reach a wider audience. Many pointed to President Trump’s foray into the podcast space during his 2024 presidential campaign as a key strategy. By appearing on popular podcasts like Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Trump was able to connect with a demographic that is often overlooked by politicians.
The White House also launched an official rapid response account on social media to highlight Trump’s best moments and counter the Democrats’ messaging. This move has been praised by attendees at CPAC, who appreciate the ability to engage with others and debate the issues in real-time.
As social media platforms become more conservative-leaning, legacy media outlets are also embracing the shift. Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, discussed how there has always been a demand for conservative media, but now there is a growing supply to meet that demand. He launched his family-friendly media company three years ago to cater to viewers who enjoy conservative content.
Overall, attendees at CPAC 2025 believe that conservatives have always been present in the media landscape but are now feeling more comfortable expressing their views. The shift towards conservative media is becoming more pronounced, and attendees are hopeful that this trend will continue to grow in the future.
