From the Floor to the Feed: How the Democratic National Convention Played Out in the Media

Attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was a whirlwind of energy — from powerful policy speeches to surprising guest appearances to a roll call turned dance party.

As communications professionals, we could not help but notice how different media channels framed the event. In today’s fragmented media landscape, what we saw and experienced firsthand was not always the story that made headlines — or went viral. This contrast between our in-person experience and how the convention was portrayed in the media left us with a lot to unpack back at the office.

One key takeaway from our conversations was how media channels influence what sticks with the audience. While we witnessed a mix of joyful and serious moments at the convention, social media seemed to focus on a few viral highlights (like this surprise cameo from Lil Jon). The iconic moment dominated platforms like TikTok, but did it overshadow the more policy-driven conversations? And was this focus on lighter moments intentional? As communicators, these are the kinds of strategic considerations we constantly weigh.

While social media leaned heavily into these playful moments, traditional news outlets seemed to zero in on the serious stuff. This contrast speaks to an important lesson: Your audience’s perception will often reflect the platform from which they are consuming.

The old adage, “the medium is the message,” has never felt more relevant. On social media, our attention is limited, and only the highlights seem to grab us. Compare this experience to reading your morning newspaper, and it is no surprise that different platforms can highlight such different aspects of the same event. (Read more from Fratelli on The Medium Is the Message.)

Tailoring your message to suit each medium is an art, and balancing viral moments with substantive content is key. While something like Lil Jon’s appearance might generate short-term buzz, long-term engagement relies on crafting a deeper, more intentional narrative.

In the end, the DNC reminded us that strategic communication is about being intentional with every message — and knowing how it will be amplified across different media.