Jenna Hurley's review of DailyWire+
Date last edited: 11-22-2024 at 08:35PM
Rating: Everyone 10+
Review:
Developer: The Daily Wire
Genre: Current Events & News Outlet
Primary Audience: Young Adults+
Version: 2.3.20
Platform: Available on All Personal Devices
Year of Release: 2022
Cost: Free to Download, with subscription packages ranging from 13-21 dollars/month.
DailyWire+ is a news and podcast app featuring talk shows starring well-known right-wing conservative figures such as Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, Matt Walsh, and many more. The company, The Daily Wire, was founded in 2015 by Jeremy Boreing and Ben Shapiro with the intention of having a place for conservative Americans to get the full truth of different current events without misinformation or left-winged ideologies bleeding through. It also features a few children’s shows, several documentaries, and even some feature films from thrilling action to adult comedies. Their tagline is, “Noisy. Opinionated. Right.” which is a short, but accurate description of their work. Whether their version of “Right” is referring to their political affiliation or their idea of being correct is up for debate, but either way seems fitting. They are continually working on new projects to add to their app to give their subscribers more of what they are looking for, a break from the “woke agenda”.
The Seven Media Keys
The First Media Key: Balance
A decent amount of their content would probably not be appropriate for children as the hosts will discuss sensitive topics that small children would not be able to handle. While most of their podcasts are geared toward young adults and up, the app is rated E10+, and while some ten-year-olds may be able to handle such content, there are plenty more that are not ready to hear discussions on complicated issues such as abortion or same-sex marriage, as important as they may be. However, as they do also have some children’s content teaching about things such as government and history it does make sense as to why they have the app rated for children.
In Dr. Gan’s book, Infinite Bandwidth he describes how modern relativists and their facade of open-mindedness are problematic at best. “The phrase, ‘Keep an open mind,’ has, for good reason, earned a bad rap with many Catholics. All too often, it comes from the mouths of relativists, trying to dissuade us from believing or asserting some objective truth. What they’re really saying, however, is not ‘Keep an open mind,’ but rather, “Don’t form any opinion whatsoever… unless it happens to be mine.’” (Gan, pg. 22). As for DailyWire+, they are exclusively a conservative news outlet and it is safe to say they are not necessarily balanced in that they do not have any left-leaning hosts or writers. However, they do sometimes interview figures with opposing viewpoints and will show clips on their podcasts. Some hosts will even participate in public debates or forums, with the goal of changing minds of course. Do they want you to have the same opinion as them? Of course, as we all wish that we were in complete agreement with whomever we are speaking with. They are not merely hosting these shows just to get people on their side, however. They are trying to spread awareness and truth in a world focused on what feels good even if it means living out a lie.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
The owners and creators of The Daily Wire, the company that created DailyWire+, are outspoken conservative Republicans and certainly show that within nearly everything they publish. As the company and app were created to be a voice for those of us with conservative views, it is not hard to see where their attitude lies. They are creating movies, shows, and podcasts that others are too scared to do in fear of being “cancelled”. They want the truth, they want to share that truth, and they want to show the world that there are still people who are looking to live out a life with traditional values. While their main focus is politics, they will all dive into topics such as pop culture and even religion. All of the hosts are very religious in some way whether they are Orthodox Jews, Protestant Christians, or even Traditional Catholics, and all of them will bring God into the discussion when they see fit. One host in particular, Michael Knowles, even does a segment he calls “Theology Thursday” where he discusses something within the realms of Catholicism. They are not afraid to bring God into the discussion, especially when they are sure they are right. Spreading His word, even when it’s hard, is what we are meant to do as Christians and they are fulfilling that role. “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16).
The Third Media Key: Dignity of the Human Person
Every person who publishes writings or stars in shows on DailyWire+ are avid advocates of pro-life figures and protectors of the dignity of the human person. Two of their prominent hosts, Matt Walsh and Michael Knowles are even traditional Catholics who hold firm to all of the teachings of the church. The news and works they produce for their app that have to do with the pro-life movement, the LGBTQ+, etc., all keep in mind the dignity of each and every person whether they are millimeters long inside their mother’s womb or sixty years old with a terminal illness. “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’” (Matthew 25:40). They are advocates for what could be considered modern-day society’s lowest and forgotten, including traditional families and unborn children.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled
The very reason The Daily Wire was founded was to have a source of truth with the full story of current events during a time where plenty of left-wing media companies were simply printing what fit their narrative. They are willing to admit when they are wrong, although with their focus on the truth it is a rare occurrence.
Since they started their company they have also broken into the entertainment industry with children’s shows, documentaries, and other feature films. One of their most popular documentaries, What is a Woman? starring Matt Walsh features him interviewing several people within the trans movement and even investigated how it got its start. He not only uncovered some dark horrors that people don’t speak of within the movement, but also highlighted and brought into the light truths about what really happens to those that undergo the treatments. “Through media, truth can be woven into a movie, a song, a video game, even a Facebook page.” (Gan, pg. 77). The team who work on DailyWire+ are focused on telling the world the truth, even if it’s a hard truth. The app, therefore, is extremely truth-filled.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
Reading some of the stories, or taking in any of the other medias they offer on the app, can be heavy to hear. However, they do inspire the listeners/readers/watchers to want to be better and stand up for their beliefs. I know from experience that there is something in watching their fiery rhetoric that brought me out of my shell and more willing to defend the ideals and morals that I hold dear. They also changed my mind on other issues that I was still on the fence on which I believe is more in line with the church’s teachings.
“The fifth media key encourages us to expect the best from media. It draws a clear line in the sand between media being used for its true purpose – to direct us to all that’s good, true, and beautiful – and media that either misdirects us or wastes its potential by directing us nowhere.” (Gan, pg. 94). In a world with media figures encouraging the rejection of traditionalism, and the “free yourself” and “listen to your heart” movements, it is refreshing to find media that is attempting to inspire people to grow closer to God, not themselves.
The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed
The Daily Wire has spent millions of dollars to create top-tier content that they hope will soon be able to compete with big names such as Netflix and Disney+. Their articles are always well-written, their live streams never have streaming issues, and their movies have the same quality as just about any other Hollywood production. Their feature films such as Run, Hide, Fight, and Lady Ballers are heartfelt and well-produced. While one is an action thriller and the other is a comedy, you can see in both titles that the company puts its all into everything they produce. The same goes for their TV shows such as Mr. Birchum and Judged by Matt Walsh, and their documentaries, such as Exodus by Jordan Peterson. The app itself is easy to use, well-made, and extremely user-friendly. “Just as the culture brings expectations with it when it goes to the movies, it likewise brings expectations with it when it goes online. Today, people expect websites to be easy to read and easy to navigate.” (Gan, pg. 106). DailyWire+ is an easy app to navigate and offers a wide variety of top-tier content from podcasts to full-length comedies.
The Seventh Media Key: Motivated By and Relevant to Experience
DailyWire+ is based on current and cultural events from all over the world, focusing specifically on the United States. They discuss politics, pop culture, sports, religion, world events, and more. “No matter how good or true the message behind the media might be, if people don’t feel like they can relate to or understand the story being told or the information presented, the message won’t reach them.” (Gan, pg. 125). There are so many topics discussed by so many different people, that there would hardly be anyone that could not find something they wouldn’t be interested in. If someone doesn’t enjoy the brash humor of the Matt Walsh show, they might switch over to the charming and relaxed atmosphere of the Michael Knowles show. This wide variety is most likely why they are so popular with millions downloading the app to enjoy their content. They produce content that everyone can relate to, and that everyone can enjoy.
The DailyWire+ app is my go-to for any time I am looking for information on current events. They are well-informed, create great-quality media, and hold the same moral standards that I hold. Their content is for all of those who are tired of being fed the standard lies of our culture, and I would say that there are lots of people, both young and old, who fit into that category. I would recommend this app to anyone who would like to keep up with the goings on in the world and be able to laugh a little while they learn a little. The DailyWire+ app is well-made, provides excellent content, and shares the truth of the world and of the Gospel.
Seven Keys:
Balanced:
Attitude:
Personal:
Truth-filled:
Inspired:
Skillfully Made:
Experienced:
Overall Rating: 34/35
All Comments (0)
Must be logged in to post comments.