Constructing (De)Legitimacy: Fox News, Newsmax, and Credibility in Conservative News Cultures

Abstract

As the American news ecosystem continues to evolve, there are ongoing negotiations about credibility and influence. In the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, media critics pointed to the growing influence of political alternative media and influencers in conservative news cultures (CNC). Employing a quantitative content analysis, this study examines how Fox News and Newsmax framed news-like outlets (e.g. Breitbart News), influencers, and “mainstream media” 6 months before and after the 2024 elections. Results revealed a hierarchy within CNC, and a simultaneous exalting of influencers, especially Joe Rogan, and denigration of mainstream media.