WorldA growing left-wing independent media ecosystem of podcasts, social platforms and digital outlets is reshaping Democratic politicsNEW YORK: Farah Berent, a teacher in Michigan, used to learn about politics from channels like ABC, CBS and CNN. Digital transformationThe rise of independent media has been part of a digital transformation that transcends politics, as chronically online Americans are turning toward news from social media and content creators. "Creators and new media outlets are stepping in and trying to fill gaps.” El-Sayed said the rise of independent media has let voters compare news across different channels and notice biases, but he doesn't turn down opportunities on legacy media, either. But Grim said those are the kinds of tough questions independent media are there to ask - and that American voters increasingly want to see their representatives in Congress answer.