ABSTRACT
In light of the transformations in communication and political processes, it is important to revisit the conceptual scaffolding used to study media, disinformation, and populism. Few studies explore how and why media, disinformation, and populism are connected. Contemporary disinformation tactics attest to the shapeshifting nature of media. What are the connective threads then among media, disinformation, and populism? The media provide populism not only with ideological content and legitimacy but also with platforms for reaching sympathetic audiences. Populism constantly craves media attention to reinforce the dominant public positions of its leaders, amplify messages, and gain visibility. Populism’s claims to owning the truth led to embracing disinformation and legitimising post-truth. Boycotting media companies that traffic in lies and deception and discouraging the use of digital platforms teeming with mis/disinformation are important steps, but they are hardly sufficient to break vicious cycles of disinformation and populist politics.
