Delegates at INMA’s Media Tech & AI Conference in San Francisco had an ad hoc addition to their programme when California Governor Gavin Newsom contributed a five-minute forum for delegates.

Newsom had been visiting the studios of public broadcaster KQED when conference organisers approached him about doing a walk-on for conference delegates, and stopped sessions late on Friday morning in the midst of a session about agentic AI to provide slot, heartily applauded by delegates.

Newsom exhorted news media to “put a bright light” on the current “abnormal” US political and civic conditions, encouraging delegates to “meet this moment” and hold political leaders to account.

He decried conditions created by Trump that are marked by city militarisation, intimidation of diverse communities, and pressure on independent institutions.

Newsom (58) is a Democrat and is considered to be the top prospect for his party’s presidential nomination in 2028. He has served as California governor since 2019.

In a happy accident during Friday's sessions of the conference, Governor Newsom was in the same building when he was approached by conference organiser Jodie Hopperton to speak to the INMA audience.

While Newsom trained his assertions on the Trump Administration, he also alleged widespread complicity spanning law firms, universities, business leaders, and media figures. Regarding American democracy, he lamented: “I don’t think we will have one in a year or two if we do not reconcile our own complicity in this moment. Society becomes how we behave.”

He encouraged public vigilance and collective action across political affiliations to defend enduring national values.

“We have to meet this moment,” Newsom told INMA delegates. “I’m counting on you …”

With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary next year, Newsom assailed the threats against the US Constitution: talks of a Trump third term, redistricting, immigration raids, sending the National Guard into cities, and the “greatest grift that’s ever happened in American history.”

“So I’m grateful, thank you, that you’re all here because we need you,” Newsom said. “I don’t care where you are on the political spectrum. We need you. We the people.”

Newsom circled back on this theme: “We (are) counting on you. Hold us to account. And I think all of need to raise our game at this precious moment.”

Bending into the theme of INMA’s Media Tech & AI Conference, he encouraged media companies to lean into influencers and streamers, communities that don’t get news from traditional sources.

Referencing the TwitchCon event in San Diego last week, Newsom engaged influencers about where they got their news. “These guys are wildly successful and influential. Not one person has ever checked cable, reading newspapers… a little alarming.” Instead, they engage with TikTok and all things peer-to-peer.

Citing his own social media memes mocking the Trump Administration, Newsom said he’s just now waking up to the creative possibilities: “I’m trying to put a bright light on Trump’s absurdity. Again, nothing’s normal about what’s going on.” A “little bit of humour” makes a powerful point, Newsom said.

More than 180 delegates from 26 countries attended INMA’s Media Tech & AI Week in San Francisco, featuring a conference and study tour.

INMA/Earl Wilkinson with thanks