The Media
The god who lives in the glow of every screen, feeding on the world's endless attention.
Media is one of the New Gods of American Gods. In Neil Gaiman's novel she is the New Goddess of television and pop culture, who often speaks by hijacking whatever is on television, for example talking to Shadow as Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy or through the cast of Cheers. In the TV series Gillian Anderson plays her in the first season as the public face and 'mouthpiece' of the New Gods.
Lore & Background
In the first season Media appears in the forms of famous personalities, among them Lucy Ricardo, David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland; as Lucy she tries to persuade Shadow to align with her, and as Bowie she scolds Technical Boy on Mr. World's behalf for the attempted lynching of Shadow. After Anderson left, the role was redefined for the second season as New Media, played by Kahyun Kim and described as the goddess of global content.
Reader's Guide
In the second season Media reincarnates as New Media and tries to merge with Argus, the god of surveillance, before Laura kills him on Wednesday's orders. New Media then manipulates the news to accuse Shadow, Wednesday and Salim falsely of being terrorists, until Shadow, discovering that he is Wednesday's son and a demigod, cancels her manipulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Media?
The Media is a New God born from humanity's collective obsession with screens and constant information consumption. Unlike older deities, this entity exists within the digital landscape rather than physical temples or myths.
What are The Media's powers/role?
She speaks through whatever is on television and takes the shapes of famous personalities.
Is The Media part of Mr. World's group?
Yes, The Media serves alongside Technical Boy and Mr. World as one of the primary New Gods challenging the old pantheons. They operate as an alliance dedicated to reshaping reality through technology and mass distraction.
More in Deities & Mortals
Elsewhere in American Gods
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