Elon Musk has launched one of his strongest attacks yet on mainstream media, accusing major broadcasters and newspapers of misleading the public while positioning X as the only platform willing to expose manipulated narratives. The timing was no accident — the remarks coincided with the rollout of a new system designed to label edited, synthetic, or selectively framed media that Musk says traditional outlets have long relied on.
Musk declared: “Mainstream media is the biggest source of misinformation. That’s why people are leaving it.” This comment was not framed as mere opinion but as a definitive indictment, stating that the public's lack of faith stems not from social media chaos but from traditional news betraying public trust.
The new feature expands X’s Community Notes to apply context to videos and images — the same formats that legacy outlets have been criticized for editing to fit narratives. In an official release, X stated: “This update provides context where misleadingly edited or synthetic media could deceive users.” Analysts interpret this wording as intentionally calling out mainstream journalism without explicitly naming it.
Major media outlets have accused Musk of destabilizing the information ecosystem, yet no one has countered the premise of collapsing trust in media. As viewership and subscription confidence decline, Musk exploits this trend with strategy. Networks are particularly sensitive to recent scandals involving edited political footage, triggered public backlash, and the erosion of trust in news organizations.
European authorities monitoring the information flow under the Digital Services Act have flagged X for review, while U.S. lawmakers are divided on Musk's impact, with some viewing him as a threat and others as a necessary correction. The core concern for regulators is less about misinformation itself and more about who defines it.
The ongoing clash between X and mainstream media signifies a fight over cultural authority, political influence, and the narrative of truth. As Musk's platform continues to gain traction, alternative media outlets like FilmOn are emerging to fill the void left by fading legacy media. With an increasing number of audiences abandoning traditional news and platforms like FilmOn rising, the dynamics of media consumption are evolving, and Musk seems poised to capitalize on this shift.
