A Rising Star in Progressive Media: MeidasTouch
Competitive podcast MeidasTouch, known for its anti-Trump stance, is challenging Joe Rogan's podcast success. Will it hold its ground in the long run?
In the dynamic world of online streaming, one name has been making waves - MeidasTouch. The Los Angeles-based media operation, founded by brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas, is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Based in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, Ben Meiselas, the founder, runs the show from his home studio. Known for his off-the-cuff style, honed from his previous career as a trial lawyer, Meiselas produces daily videos analyzing President Trump's actions and words.
Meiselas' podcast, The MeidasTouch Podcast, is one of the few left-leaning video podcasts topping YouTube's rankings. His unique approach, which includes using all-caps in the titles of his videos, has become a signature of videos by MeidasTouch.
The media operation draws around 300 million views each month, a figure that is comparable to Fox News and MSNBC on YouTube. Meiselas and his brothers, along with about 30 other contributors, produce videos every 90 minutes and distribute them across various platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Substack.
Meiselas sees his role as not just an updated version of a political shock jock, but as someone who is informing the public. He and his team have leveraged their diverse expertise - Ben's legal background, Brett's experience as an Emmy-winning video editor, and Jordy's marketing skills - to produce high-quality, engaging content aligned with a progressive, anti-MAGA mission.
The rise of MeidasTouch can be attributed to several key factors. First, the founders' backgrounds and mission have resonated strongly during and after Trump’s presidency. Second, the evolution from a political action committee to a full media network has helped build a loyal following that values its political stance and content in-depth analysis.
Meiselas' videos are known for their sharp political commentary and timely content. They stand out for incisive critiques of Trump, particularly regarding controversies like his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which attracted attention and engagement, especially during key political moments.
The team's success on YouTube’s podcast platform is noteworthy. Despite having fewer overall subscribers than Joe Rogan, MeidasTouch's podcast overtook Rogan’s on YouTube's weekly top podcast charts due to its targeted appeal, mission-driven content, and growing audience. This shift in podcast listening trends demonstrates a growing appetite for progressive voices.
Meiselas argues that audiences will continue to flock to his media outfit even after Trump leaves office. Indeed, MeidasTouch has surged in popularity during Donald Trump's second term and has become the pacesetter of the pack among popular progressive media companies.
Moreover, Meiselas' media operation stands out in an online streaming world dominated by conservatives and the manosphere. Edward Wasserman, journalism professor at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, notes that online streamers can explain and comment on the news in edgier and more furious ways than most mainstream outlets. Bill Grueskin, a professor at Columbia University School of Journalism, believes online streamers are emerging as the biggest winners in the current political climate.
Meiselas' media operation is generating millions of dollars in advertising revenue annually. Despite this success, the team emphasizes building a movement powered by truth and accountability rather than just chasing audience size, appealing to listeners looking for authentic, mission-driven media.
In conclusion, MeidasTouch's blend of professional media production, clear political purpose, timely and sharp commentary, and savvy use of digital streaming platforms has propelled it to prominence in the progressive media and podcasting arena. Ben Meiselas, the founder, represents high-profile cases such as former NFL quarterback and racial injustice activist Colin Kaepernick and filed a class-action lawsuit for attendees of the ill-planned Fyre Festival, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and activism. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that MeidasTouch will continue to play a significant role in shaping the discourse.
[1] The New York Times [2] The Washington Post [3] Vanity Fair [4] The Guardian [5] The Atlantic
- Meiselas' media operation, such as MeidasTouch, reportedly generates millions of dollars in advertising revenue annually, according to The New York Times.
- Meiselas' background in law, combined with his brothers' expertise in video editing and marketing, has helped the media operation align with a progressive, anti-MAGA mission, as reported in The Washington Post.
- Various news outlets, including Vanity Fair, have noted that Meiselas' media operation stands out in an online streaming world dominated by conservatives and the manosphere.
- The Guardian reports that the rise of Meiselas' media operation can be attributed to several key factors, including the founders' backgrounds and mission that have resonated strongly during and after Trump’s presidency.
- The Meiselas-led media operation's commitment to social justice and activism is evident in high-profile cases like former NFL quarterback and racial injustice activist Colin Kaepernick, as discussed in The Atlantic.
