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WASHINGTON D.C. – Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan recently criticized The New York Times for failing to adequately represent the nation’s ideological left. His remarks came during Semafor’s Innovating to Restore Trust in News summit held on Thursday.
Hasan, who founded his own news brand Zeteo after his departure from MSNBC, addressed whether he aimed to attract a wide array of news consumers across the political spectrum. He emphasized the need for diverse political viewpoints in media.
“I could’ve hired a bunch of Never-Trump Republicans, right? People who I’m friendly with. I didn’t do that. Look, they’re everywhere. They’ve got enough platforms,” Hasan said in an interview with Semafor’s Max Tani. He further noted that while media outlets extensively cover Trump supporters, they often overlook voices from the left.
“It’s telling that The New York Times sends 100 journalists to Iowa to engage with Trump voters, yet what’s missing is coverage that represents the left,” he remarked.
Hasan pointedly questioned the absence of a dedicated Bernie Sanders supporter among the Times’ columnists. “Isn’t it surprising that after three election cycles, The New York Times still doesn’t have a Bernie Sanders-supporting columnist?” he stated. While he acknowledged Jamelle Bouie’s liberal views, Hasan argued they don’t fully capture the perspective of committed Sanders supporters.
The New York Times has not yet responded to requests from media outlets regarding Hasan’s comments.
During the summit, Hasan highlighted the vision behind Zeteo, stating that, unlike larger media organizations, his platform emphasizes a range of leftist perspectives. He proclaimed his commitment to elevating voices from the left, center-left, and far-left.
“For me, it was crucial to include diverse opinions on the left side of the spectrum,” Hasan shared. He mentioned recruiting notable figures such as John Harwood, a recognized liberal journalist formerly associated with CNN and CNBC.
“I am a huge fan of John and was proud to have him join Zeteo,” Hasan added. He also brought attention to Naomi Klein and Owen Jones, both outspoken voices in their rights, showcasing a diverse array of views across the left.
In his discussion, Hasan specifically criticized the conservative dominance he perceives in traditional media. “Everywhere I have worked, I’ve encountered a majority of conservative voices. It was never my intention to create another outlet inviting conservatives to join, given this imbalance,” he remarked.
Hasan’s departure from MSNBC followed the cancellation of his program in January 2024. He gained recognition for his candid discussions on the Israeli response to the Hamas attack on October 7, combining an analysis of the situation with his critiques of Hamas’s actions.
Criticism arose from various quarters accusing MSNBC of sidelining one of its notable Muslim commentators post-October 7. Following cancellations of his weekend and Peacock shows, Hasan’s continued role was diminished as he made only a single appearance outside of his own program.
In a broader context, the media landscape faces increasing scrutiny for its portrayal of political narratives, particularly regarding the representation of progressive viewpoints in mainstream outlets.
As individuals like Hasan urge for a more balanced representation of political opinions in media, the conversation around ideological diversity grows ever more pertinent. The call for inclusivity extends beyond mere tokenism, highlighting the necessity for genuine discourse across the spectrum.
Ultimately, Hasan’s venture with Zeteo reflects a growing sentiment among progressive journalists aiming to carve out a space that prioritizes diverse perspectives. It remains to be seen how traditional media outlets will respond to the demand for richer ideological representation moving forward.
Hasan’s commitment to fostering an inclusive media environment reinforces the message that diverse political viewpoints are essential for a well-rounded media ecosystem.
