Most Influential in Media 2017
15. Ronan Farrow
It’s quite possible that we wouldn’t be having this national discussion over the predatory sexual behavior of powerful men if it wasn’t for Ronan Farrow’s dogged reporting. In a blockbuster and groundbreaking report for the New Yorker that was the result of a ten-month investigation, Farrow told the stories of thirteen women who accused Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexually harassing and assaulting them over the years. But it wasn’t easy getting there. NBC News shut him down before he took his reporting to the New Yorker where he pointed out the struggles many women had come forward and revealed how Weinstein engaged spies to track journalists and actresses. (JB)
14. Don Lemon
In the Age of Trump, the CNN Tonight anchor has really seemed to find his editorial voice. Always one with strong opinions on social issues and matters of race, Lemon has not shied away from directing criticism the White House’s way in 2017, especially as the president continues to label his network “Fake News.” He’s not been afraid to call out Trump directly, leading to the president complaining about Lemon and calling the anchor names. And if he isn’t making news that way, his occasional displays of emotion will always go viral. (KM)
13. Shep Smith
Shep Smith — anchor of the daytime news show Fox Report — became a must watch in 2017, offering what one media critic described as “persistent fact-mongering” not always at home at Fox News. His systematic dismantling of the Uranium One Theory, which had been used for weeks by certain compatriots at Fox as a means of drawing the eyes of scandal away from President Trump towards Hillary Clinton, went instantly viral. And the 53-year-old anchor has been at Fox News for two decades, so don’t expect his cocktail of rapier wit and Mississippi charm to go anywhere soon, despite grumbling from the network’s more pro-Trump viewers. When Fox responds to criticism of its coverage, it can, and does, point at Shep, as it should. (AM)
12. Joy Reid
Before becoming a lightning rod of controversy, thanks to recently unearthed blog posts that seem to include anti-gay comments directed toward then-Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Reid was set to have a conspiracy-free and banner year. Her ratings (and relevance) have been impressive and as Mediaite’s Colby Hall wrote earlier this year: “she consistently brings fire and passion to her weekend AM with Joy Reid show, and seems to intrinsically understand what cable news viewers value most: a strong and consistent point of view that shows savvy understanding of complicated political issues, and the willingness to speak truth to power. Directly.” She finds a wealth of smart, diverse guests and knows how to push the right buttons and make news. (JD)
11. Megyn Kelly
After years of being THE rising star at Fox News and likely heir apparent to Bill O’Reilly’s cable news throne, Kelly decided to step out of the cutthroat world of cable and into the cutthroat world of morning television. Seen as too liberal by conservatives, and too conservative by liberals, her first few months were rough and often involved taking fire from all directions. But that changed when she found her footing and became a leading voice in the #metoo movement as well as a place for many women to do their first interviews. The ex-FNC star has found her stride leading her to once again be a top media influencer. (JF)
10. Tucker Carlson
Among many interesting things in cable news that happened in 2017, it was also the year in which long-time cable news ratings king Bill O’Reilly departed his 8 PM time slot at Fox News to be replaced by cable vet Tucker Carlson. And even many of the biggest O’Reilly fans seem to agree that Tucker has delivered big time on the opportunity. His quick-witted, aggressive and often sarcastic style, creates must-see TV for the Fox News audience. Sure, his guests are sometimes unseasoned liberal amateurs who foolishly think they can talk their way out of Tucker’s den, but it’s a time-tested format and Tucker is just so good at it. Viewers looking for evidence of ongoing bias towards Hillary Clinton and against President Trump will rarely be disappointed by this always entertaining, and now well- rated show. (CH)
9. Chris Cuomo
Chris Cuomo is not the guy you want to interview you, if you come with an indefensible position or just unprepared. But he is the guy you want to watch when that happens. Pairing the sparring instincts of a mixed martial arts fanatic with a keen lawyer’s eye for bullshit, his sometimes ten-plus minute debates with interviewees lead to thrilling, and newsmaking, results. Whether he’s sparring with Kellyanne Conway or Anthony Scaramucci, the anchor can pack a vicious rhetorical punch or hold an evasive subject’s feet to the fire with ease. His show might want to offer a warning to guests “Beware of Dog (asking smart and relevant questions).” (AM)
8. George Stephanopoulos
As the face of ABC News, George Stephanopoulos has had quite the year. For roughly a decade, Good Morning America has had a contentious ratings battle with The Today Show and with the sudden demise of NBC’s lead anchor Matt Lauer as well as the downfall of Charlie Rose from CBS This Morning, Stephanopoulos is the last male morning show host standing. But his influence in 2017 was displayed even more on his Sunday morning program This Week where Stephanopoulos conducted some of the toughest interviews with Trump’s cabinet, White House surrogates, and legal team. (JW)
7. Joe and Mika
Very few outside a handful in the entertainment industry are so well known that first names alone suffice to describe them. But you need say no more than “Joe and Mika” (or Mika and Joe for that matter) to anyone remotely interested in politics and they will know exactly who you are talking about and why. Thought leaders around the country watch (and appear on) Morning Joe to help understand, and shape, the day’s narrative. And since President Trump has taken cheap shots at the duo, their analysis and commentary have become more biting and a must watch for anyone in the media/political world. (CH)
6. Jake Tapper
The CNN anchor, who hosts both The Lead and State of the Union, has perhaps become the most trusted voice in the political news during the Age of Trump. Tapper — who was known for holding the Obama administration’s feet to the fire — has taken it to another level while covering this current White House. He has grilled a number of White House figures while using his airtime, and substantial Twitter following, to call out what he sees as hypocrisy and blatant falsehoods of this administration. (JB)
