THE NEW INFORMATION PLAYBOOK FOR
POLICY INSIDERS
Washington’s policy insiders are navigating a media landscape in flux — reshaped by AI, influential voices and new paths to discovery. Opinion leaders remain central to how news travels and takes hold, but engagement patterns split sharply by ideology, with MAGA insiders clustering around social-first personalities. At the same time, Republicans appear to be leading the drift away from traditional habits toward AI-driven avenues.
Inside the
media habits of
300 D.C. policy insiders
The Policy Insiders’ Media Habits report surveys 300 Washington, D.C., policy insiders to understand how they consume news and information. From newsletters and podcasts to the opinion leaders, social platforms and news outlets they rely on most, the report offers a clear view of where — and how — they're staying informed today.
Policy insiders have embraced AI — and they're not stopping
96% of policy insiders now use AI professionally or personally, and three in four insiders expect to use it more in the coming year.
Both Republican and MAGA insiders are bullish on AI, while Democrats are more skeptical, particularly when it comes to research-oriented tasks.
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Opinion leaders with the greatest partisan influence
Democrats follow opinion leaders through newsletters and articles, while Republicans — especially MAGA insiders — gravitate toward social-first personalities.
Policy insiders who took this survey were asked to choose what opinion leaders help inform their opinion on policy. A full list of opinion leaders can be found in the report.
Get the full picture
13+
Years of Research
300+
Policy Insiders Surveyed
7
Industries Covered
3
Audiences Surveyed
Schedule a full Media Habits briefing
Contact us to schedule a full report for your organization’s strategic team. These 45-minute sessions led by our Audience Intelligence and Performance team are available virtually or in person and include a Q&A session.
Download the snapshot
With the ever-increasing demands on policy insiders’ attention, there is no room for error when planning your most effective Beltway strategy. Our Policy Insiders’ Media Habits is your roadmap to effective engagement with this essential audience.
IT’S TIME TO
CONSIDER AI
AS A CRITICAL AUDIENCE
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