CHANGE IN WASHINGTON SHAKES UP POLICY INSIDERS' MEDIA HABITS
This year we've added MAGA policy insiders to our annual Policy Insiders' Media Habits Report. From the sources they trust the most to the ones they turn to for breaking news, we now provide analysis on the three dimensions of the Washington policy landscape.
Additional Audience Surveyed
This Year:
MAGA Policy Insiders
This year's report adds MAGA policy insiders as a third audience we surveyed along with Republican and Democrat policy insiders.
MAGA policy insiders get their news and information from a handful of sources, while Democrats are more fragmented in 2025. This chart shows the first and last news sources for each audience.
First and Last Sources of News for Policy Insiders
The bigger the bubble, the greater the use.
EmailNewsletters
NewsAggregators
X
News PublisherApps
NewsWebsites
Cable TV
Podcasts
Local TVEmailNewsletters
XNewsWebsites
NewsPublisher
Apps
NewsAggregators
XEmailNewsletters
NewsWebsites
Cable TVNewsPublisher
Apps
The Influencer Effect
No single influencer holds as much weight as Elon Musk does with the MAGA policy insiders. For Democrats and Republicans, there are many influencers who play a role in their consumption (and there’s overlap, too).
Policy insiders who took this survey were asked to choose what influencers help inform their opinion on policy.
Social Media Choices Narrow:
X and LinkedIn
LinkedIn remains a popular social media platform and is the platform most consistently used by all three D.C. audiences.
Democrats
Republicans
MAGA
Top 5 Most Popular Social Media Channels
With this third audience in play, media strategies must evolve.
Our data reveals smart places to maximize your reach and sharpen your targeting strategies.
Get the full picture
12+
Years of Research
300+
Policy Insiders Surveyed
7
Industries Covered
3
Policy Insider Audiences Surveyed
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Download a 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.
