This session will explore the shifting balance of power among journalists, lobbyists, and influencers, examining who is most effectively shaping public discourse in an era defined by reach and engagement. Are influencers functioning as journalists, advocates, or de facto lobbyists? Until recently, journalists and lobbyists played defined roles in shaping policy and public opinion, governed by ethical codes and regulatory frameworks. Today’s new media commands audiences that rival major news outlets, yet operates with minimal transparency requirements. Should transparency and disclosure standards apply equally across all platforms? And if influence is measured by reach and engagement, have influencers surpassed traditional media as the primary gatekeepers of political information? The Armenia Project (TAP) is a programming partner for the 2026 Annual Summit.
