During Donald Trump's presidential campaign launch in 2015, David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., revealed that there was a significant surge in interest in Trump through the magazines under his purview. Pecker noted that the coverage of Trump in the magazines experienced a notable increase in popularity.
Pecker further explained that his team conducted research to determine which magazine covers featuring Trump would generate the most sales. The findings indicated that images portraying Trump as a powerful figure, such as being depicted as 'the boss' in a boardroom setting, resonated well with the audience and led to increased sales.
This strategic approach to featuring Trump on magazine covers highlights the influence and impact of media representation on public perception and consumer behavior. By leveraging Trump's image as a symbol of authority and success, the magazines were able to capitalize on the public's interest in the presidential candidate.
The collaboration between American Media Inc. and Trump's campaign exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between media outlets and political figures during election cycles. The ability to attract and engage audiences through compelling visual narratives, such as the portrayal of Trump as a commanding presence, underscores the power of media in shaping public discourse and influencing consumer preferences.