United States | The muted megaphone

Donald Trump may find it harder to dominate America’s conversation

A more fragmented media is tougher to manage

Donald Trump speaks to the media.
Photograph: Getty Images

Donald Trump’s first term in office was a bracing experience for reporters, whom the president spent much of his time castigating. But it was a happier period for their bosses, who enjoyed a “Trump bump” in ratings and subscriptions. Mr Trump’s candidacy “may not be good for America, but it’s damn good for CBS,” said Les Moonves, head of that television network, in February 2016.

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