Elon Musk says media fixates on him due to competition
Tech Entrepreneur Elon Musk Accuses Media of Fear-Driven “Cancellation”
In a captivating appearance at the European Jewish Association conference in Krakow, Poland, Elon Musk, the mastermind behind the social media giant X, boldly declared that media attempts to “cancel” him stem from a deep-seated fear of competition within the news industry.
Joined by Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro, Musk delved into a wide range of thought-provoking topics, including anti-Semitism, free speech, and the impact of social media on society, during their engaging hour-long discussion.
As the conversation turned to the influence of social media, Shapiro probed Musk about the relentless onslaught of negative articles targeting him in recent months, particularly following his acquisition of the once-renowned Twitter.
“The truth is, X poses a direct threat to the traditional media. It has become the go-to platform for up-to-the-minute news and global insights. So, it’s only natural that the legacy media, our direct competitors, will stop at nothing to try and cancel X,” Musk responded with conviction.
Musk went on to assert that X is rapidly gaining market share from traditional media outlets, effectively outperforming print and cable platforms in capturing users’ attention.
“If you want to understand why these attacks are happening, just follow the incentives. The legacy media has been struggling to retain its audience,” Musk explained. “Last year, traditional print and cable television viewership plummeted by around 20-30%. In contrast, X experienced a similar surge of 20-30%. It’s a direct battle for people’s attention. So, if there’s any opportunity to launch an attack against me, they will seize it.”
.@elonmusk and @benshapiro discuss why the legacy media is threatened by @X: pic.twitter.com/oite5HCzJy
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) January 22, 2024
Conference Focuses on the Alarming Surge of Anti-Semitism in Europe
The EJA conference primarily centers around the alarming rise of anti-Semitism across Europe since the invasion of Israel by the terror group Hamas on October 7. This brutal attack resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 1,200 lives and the capture of hundreds more. Shapiro and Musk highlighted the concerning trend of increased support for the Palestinian terror group and its sympathizers in the Western world following the attack.
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Shapiro commended Musk for his bold content moderation decisions regarding X. Under Musk’s guidance, the platform allowed Shapiro and others to share graphic footage from the October 7 attack, enabling the public to witness the brutality of Hamas firsthand. This courageous move has contributed to a more accurate understanding of the attack and Israel’s subsequent battle against Hamas in the public sphere.
How does Elon Musk advocate for greater transparency and accountability from Big Tech companies in relation to free speech
Tle for attention, and we’re winning.”
Musk then delved into the concept of “cancel culture” and how it is intricately linked to the fear of competition within the media industry. He argued that when a public figure or company becomes successful and threatens the status quo, the media often resorts to damaging attacks in an attempt to discredit and silence them.
“Cancellation is not about justice or holding people accountable. It’s a weapon used by the media to eliminate threats and maintain their power and control over the narrative,” Musk emphasized. He further stated that the media’s fear-driven cancellation tactics are not only harmful to individuals or companies but also to society as a whole, as they impede progress and limit the free flow of information and ideas.
During the conversation, Musk also spoke about the importance of free speech in a democratic society. He expressed concern over the growing influence of Big Tech companies in determining what content is allowed to be shared and what is censored.
“We need to be very careful not to let a handful of powerful companies dictate what is deemed acceptable speech. The beauty of free speech is that it allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives and the challenging of established norms,” Musk asserted. He called for greater transparency and accountability from these companies, urging them to uphold and respect the principles of democratic discourse.
The tech entrepreneur’s accusations against the media have sparked a fresh wave of debate and introspection within the industry. Many journalists and media professionals have taken to social media to express their views and engage in critical discussions about the role and responsibilities of the media in today’s society.
While opinions on Musk’s claims may differ, it is undeniable that the media landscape is undergoing significant changes as digital platforms continue to gain traction. Traditional media outlets are facing immense challenges in adapting to the evolving media habits of consumers.
As the conversation at the European Jewish Association conference came to a close, Musk left the audience with a powerful message. “We must not allow fear to dictate how we consume news and information. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and critically examine the narratives presented to us. Only through an informed and engaged citizenry can we ensure a healthy and vibrant media ecosystem.
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