“Because You All Took Such an Intense Interest”: Reddit's Role in Shaping U.S. Military Journalism

Military journalism—understudied and often overlooked—is critical to public understanding and democratic accountability in an era of U.S. military attacks on Venezuela and Iran. Yet there has been almost no research on U.S. military journalism practice. With new strains on military relations with the press, Reddit has emerged as a strategic platform influencing the United States Military, whose 2027 budget could be well over $1.5 trillion. Reddit is also experiencing significant growth in the journalism sphere, distinguished by its unique social media logic. Drawing on qualitative interviews with journalists and veterans, as well as a content analysis of journalist activity within military-related subreddits, the research explores how Reddit supports information gathering, audience outreach, and community relationship-building. Findings reveal that journalists use Reddit not only to identify sources and disseminate stories, but also to build trust and navigate complex military subcultures. Veterans, in turn, view Reddit as a space for surfacing systemic issues, sharing lived experiences, and influencing policy through grassroots engagement. These interactions highlight Reddit’s evolving role in the digital news ecosystem—not simply as a distribution channel, but as a participatory space where networked publics shape journalistic agendas and contribute to institutional accountability.