Glenn Beck believes that independent creators and internet-based networks can successfully challenge and bypass traditional media gatekeepers.

“My goal was to show people in the media that uh all had to tow the line. You don't have to tow the line. You can do your own thing. Um, and you can do television on uh on on the web.”

Thomas Morton views Vice Media's historical output as a genuinely unique cultural phenomenon that eventually declined after failing to avoid becoming like other mainstream media.

“There was you you interviewed Hamilton Morris, right? Who I used to live with him. Actually, I think Oh, there was a picture up of us living together as covered in the New York Times.”