cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23141738

New York Times Inquiry into Rumble

- A New York Times reporter named Stuart Thompson initiated contact with various Rumble show hosts regarding a story about Rumble's content and audience.
- Notably, he did not reach out to the narrator, despite their significant presence on the platform, which highlights a selective approach in his reporting.
- The email sent by Thompson indicated that the story would cover the contrasting perspectives on Rumble compared to traditional news sources, including the New York Times.
- Thompson claimed to have consumed Rumble content exclusively for a week to gain expertise on the platform, which the narrator criticized as insufficient for a thorough understanding.
- The email included references to alleged disinformation propagated by Rumble shows, particularly targeting Dan Bongino and others.

Reactions from Rumble Hosts

- The narrator discussed the general apathy towards inquiries from the New York Times, noting that many recipients of Thompson's email did not respond, reflecting a loss of influence from traditional media.
- He pointed out that in the past, a New York Times inquiry would have caused panic among those involved, but now it elicits indifference.
- Despite the lack of responses, the New York Times published the article, which the narrator described as creatively constructed but lacking substantial engagement from those it targeted.

Characterization of Rumble

- The narrator expressed frustration over Rumble being labeled as a right-wing platform, arguing that it serves as a free speech site that accommodates a wide range of political views, including leftist content.
- He emphasized that many creators on Rumble do not align with right-wing ideologies, challenging the narrative that the platform is exclusively conservative.
- The term "right-wing" has become synonymous with free speech in the current media landscape, which the narrator argues misrepresents the platform's diverse content.

Stuart Thompson's Qualifications

- Thompson's credentials as a disinformation expert were called into question, particularly his claim of having monitored right-wing media for four years as a basis for his authority on the subject.
- The narrator highlighted that Thompson's method of gaining expertise by watching 47 hours of Rumble content in a week was insufficient and overly simplistic.
- He criticized the notion that merely consuming content qualifies someone as an expert, suggesting that true expertise requires deeper analytical skills and understanding.

Critique of Mainstream Media

- The narrator asserted that mainstream media, particularly the New York Times, has a history of disseminating disinformation, which undermines its credibility to judge other platforms.
- He referenced past instances where the New York Times reported misleading information, such as the Iraq War and the Russia investigation, to illustrate their flawed track record.
- The narrator argued that the decline in public trust towards mainstream media is a result of their own actions and biases, rather than the rise of alternative platforms like Rumble.

Rumble's Role in the Media Landscape

- Rumble was described as a platform that emerged in response to increasing censorship from big tech companies, particularly against conservative voices, during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The narrator pointed out that Rumble's appeal extends beyond conservative users, as it also attracts individuals from the left who seek a space free from censorship.
- The platform's mission is framed as restoring freedom of expression on the internet, allowing users to share diverse viewpoints without fear of removal based on political bias.

Conclusion on Rumble's Identity

- The narrator concluded that labeling Rumble as a right-wing site is misleading and fails to acknowledge the variety of content available on the platform.
- He emphasized that Rumble hosts shows from a wide spectrum of political beliefs, including leftist and centrist perspectives, which contradicts the singular narrative of it being a right-wing platform.
- The ongoing discourse about Rumble reflects broader tensions in the media regarding free speech and the classification of political ideologies in the digital age.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

Article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/12/13/business/rumble-trump-bongino-kirk.html

Alt. Archive Link 1: https://archive.ph/a5hfm

Alt. Archive Link 2: https://web.archive.org/web/20241213182957/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/12/13/business/rumble-trump-bongino-kirk.html