Mediaite’s 25 Most Influential in Political News Media 2015
#10 – Megyn Kelly
Would anyone have honestly thought that the biggest sparring partner with the Republican frontrunner would be Fox News’ own Megyn Kelly? Yet again, Kelly makes our list of the most influential in political TV news. After an already-contentious primary season that saw Kelly host one particularly salty debate, the news veteran is set to host Fox News’ next GOP debate from Des Moines, Iowa in January. The host of The Kelly File has memorably interviewed many of the candidates running for the presidency, and never shies away from tackling the most divisive issues on her nightly program. It may very well just be that Donald Trump’s biggest obstacle comes not in the form of an on-stage challenger, but this influential member of the media potentially capable, like no other, of derailing the Trump Train before it reaches the White House. [image via Twitter]
#9 – Rachel Maddow
When studying just the ratings for the cable news landscape, it may be easy — though foolish — to overlook liberal TV commentators simply as a result of their numbers. But make no mistake — MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow is as influential, if not more so, for the left’s base than any of her Fox peers on the right. Why? Because there are a lot more commentators on the right on radio and TV making a splash. Maddow, on the other hand, is a level above her liberal colleagues when it comes to influence with her 9 p.m. broadcast from 30 Rock each night. She artfully weaves a liberal agenda into a show that is often incredibly thoughtful and fun to watch. She also seems to relish truly educating her viewers which is why it made sense to have her host the Democratic forum recently — note: not debate. The definition of liberal political influencer is Rachel Maddow. [image via screengrab]
#8 – Rush Limbaugh
The gold mic never lies. The nationally syndicated host of The Rush Limbaugh Show is again one of the most divisive and important figures in the political media landscape. When he’s not too busy calling President Barack Obama a “petulant childish man-child,” Rush Limbaugh likes to take aim at the increasing political correctness that seems to pervade major college campuses. All this to an audience of 20 million makes him a clear choice for our list. Recently Forbes listed his 2015 earnings at nearly $80 million. With that kinda change, who needs TV or any other form of media? [image via Twitter]
#7 – Jake Tapper
Yes, Jake Tapper has a well-respected CNN political show but maybe just as important is the fact that he is a force on social media, not just in terms of number of followers, but based on the passion of that community. Tapper has the charisma to appear alongside Seth Meyers on a late night show and then pivot to firmly take on presidential campaign advisors. Already in the 2016 primary season, Tapper has tangled with multiple Republican candidates, already pushing Donald Trump on his proposed Muslim-ban and Chris Christie on the Syrian refugee crisis and yet, many Democrats believe he is a Republican! That is the true definition of success. [image via Twitter]
#6 – Glenn Greenwald
The Intercept’s Glenn Greenwald continues to be a unique political needle prodding many of the others on this list. Love him or hate him, writer, journalist, and social media influencer––Greenwald’s cable news appearances are always must-see TV events, as he has become a leading voice in the post Edward Snowden-world of national surveillance. He’s completely unafraid to hold anyone’s feet to the fire, often attempting to hold large pockets of the media population accountable for reporting trends; he claimed just last month that news reporters are as “hungry for war” as they were after 9/11. Shortly afterwards, Greenwald appeared on CNN to blast CNN itself for what he deemed to be a disrespectful interview with a Muslim guest. As long as the 2016 election conversation stays remotely associated with national security, the war on terror and civil liberties, you can be assured that Greenwald will be a major voice. [image via screengrab]
