Progressive new media is in crisis. As the U.S. political landscape tilts increasingly toward authoritarianism, the response from progressive voices has been fragmented and counterproductive. Instead of focusing on policies and solutions that uplift marginalized communities, progressive media has descended into infighting, purity tests, and performative outrage. At the center of this unraveling is The Young Turks (TYT), once a leading voice in the progressive movement, now accused of sliding to the right and alienating its core audience.

The Fall of The Young Turks and the Rise of Outrage Culture

In recent years, TYT, led by Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, has faced harsh criticism for its perceived shift toward appeasing right-wing audiences. Their efforts to engage MAGA voters and find common ground have alienated many in their progressive base. These actions, combined with stances that marginalized communities find out of touch, have led to a steep decline in subscribers and mounting backlash from other progressive channels.

While the criticism of TYT is warranted, the obsession with their downfall has turned into a distraction. Progressive media outlets have spent countless hours dissecting TYT’s missteps, often for personal gain or to grow their own platforms. This fixation creates a cycle of outrage that prioritizes call-outs over real action, sidelining the issues that matter most.

The Real Problem: Performative Activism Over Practical Solutions

The broader problem extends beyond TYT. Progressive media has adopted a WWE-style approach, where influencers focus on “dunking” on right-wing figures or competing for relevance instead of educating and mobilizing their audiences. This tit-for-tat dynamic distracts from the fundamental mission of progressive media: fostering systemic change through education, organization, and action.

While progressive influencers compete for attention, right-wing media and fundamentalist Christian groups remain laser-focused on mobilization and policy change. They lobby politicians, build coalitions, and implement their vision with relentless efficiency. In contrast, progressive media spends its energy pointing out the absurdities of right-wing viewpoints, leaving little room for solutions or grassroots activism.

Why Progressive Media Must Change Course

If progressive media continues down this path, it risks becoming irrelevant. The Overton window will keep shifting toward authoritarianism as the right consolidates power. Meanwhile, progressive media will remain trapped in a cycle of performative outrage, offering little more than entertainment disguised as activism.

To break this cycle, progressive influencers must refocus on what matters: solutions, not spectacle. This means directing their audiences toward actionable steps to combat harmful policies, uplifting marginalized voices, and building coalitions for change. Instead of competing to be the loudest critic, they should strive to be the most effective advocates for justice.

A Vision for the Future

The stakes are too high for progressive media to continue its current trajectory. The focus must shift from personalities and infighting to policies and people. Only by prioritizing education, organization, and mobilization can progressive media fulfill its mission and make a tangible difference in the fight for equality and justice.

The choice is clear: either progressive media evolves into a force for change, or it remains trapped in a loop of outrage and inaction. The time to act is now.