“This is not the 1950s anymore,” stated Vice President Kamala Harris while addressing critics who questioned her decision not to have biological children. Yet, this remark from her recent appearance on the widely popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast could easily refer to the continually changing landscape of journalism itself.

“Call Her Daddy” ranked as the second most listened-to podcast on Spotify last year and the fifth most popular among American women. Each week, millions tune in to discuss relationships, sexuality, mental health, and various trendy subjects. It makes perfect sense for the Democratic presidential candidate to engage with such a substantial female audience.

“Ultimately, I couldn’t imagine a scenario where key discussions in this election revolve around women, and I’m not included,” said Alex Cooper, host and co-creator of the podcast. “I recognize my audience has diverse political views, and I want to emphasize that my objective today is not to sway your political opinions.”

The dialogue between Harris and Cooper leaned towards the milder side of what is typically expected from the podcast. Most of their chat focused on issues affecting women, such as abortion rights and sexual violence.

Harris has limited her national interviews. What does this indicate about our industry?

Harris has faced criticism from the media and her political rival for not engaging in enough traditional interviews. (It’s worth noting that her opponent has opted out of a second debate and recently canceled an interview with “60 Minutes.”)

According to an Axios article from last month, by July 21, Harris had only participated in three interviews since President Joe Biden exited the race and endorsed her as his successor. Axios did not count interviews with “partisan commentators,” which excluded her interactions with several radio show hosts.

Harris’ decision to steer clear of traditional news outlets during her presidential campaign mirrors a growing trend among media personalities, who prefer interviews with “influencers” rather than seasoned journalists. This shift further highlights the declining influence of legacy media in our society.

Many journalists, myself included, grapple with the reality that conventional news organizations are no longer the primary gatekeepers of mass communication. Over the last decade, the rise of social media has allowed politicians to communicate directly with their audiences, sidestepping journalistic scrutiny entirely and maintaining control over their narratives.

Gentle interviews led by non-journalists provide politicians with opportunities to share their views without facing opposition. In the “Call Her Daddy” episode, Cooper refrained from asking follow-up questions or challenging Harris for clearer answers. The Vice President mainly reiterated her standard points and provided little new information.

On that note, Harris has indeed completed some traditional interviews. She engaged with reporters from the National Association of Black Journalists, who pressed her on topics like Gaza and reparations for slavery. Her “60 Minutes” interview aired just Monday night.

The current state of journalism is far from stable. Local news outlets are closing at alarming rates, the internet is overflowing with misinformation, and public trust in the news media is declining rapidly. Journalists find themselves struggling to maintain their credibility.

In particular, media figures – not just politicians – increasingly perceive interviews as extensions of PR efforts. Questions are often pre-approved, answers are vague, and both sides tend to avoid uncomfortable topics. This lack of accountability poses a significant risk to their public image.

Perhaps it’s time for journalists to change their approach

The conversation between Harris and Cooper on “Call Her Daddy” wasn’t necessarily a poor interview – in truth, it hardly qualifies as an interview at all. Cooper allowed Harris the freedom to provide comprehensive answers to significant questions aimed at her young, predominantly female, and largely politically indifferent audience. There were no interruptions or demands for sensational soundbites.

Reaching out to younger voters is crucial for the Harris campaign. Their social media presence under the handle @KamalaHQ closely follows youthful trends, employing internet memes to galvanize young voters as this group increasingly seeks information through social media instead of traditional news outlets.

It is vital for journalists to hold power accountable, and voters would benefit if Harris participated in interviews with conventional, trained journalists to address key issues. Journalists are skilled at formulating questions that elicit straightforward answers.

However, it’s possible that traditional journalists’ concentration on eliminating bias may have oversimplified complex issues and alienated some audiences. Perhaps political commentators have transformed national news media into a platform for discourse rather than genuine discussions.

The concern from traditional journalists about politicians skirting them stems from a valid apprehension regarding the downfall of quality journalism. National news platforms frequently criticize Harris for turning down the interviews they seek. Yet, it may be time for the industry to conduct some self-reflection.

We must adjust to the evolving media landscape, or risk being left behind.