ENGLISH
REFERENCE

drive-by media

idiom
Meaning

Media that provides broad or misleading statements in quick succession without context or explanation.


Origin

disputed origin

This term was used by Rush Limbaugh during his national radio program to describe elements of the mainstream media as similar to drive-by shooters.

Examples
SIMPLE

Do not trust everything you hear from drive-by media.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people feel frustrated when drive-by media reports on complex issues without providing any necessary background or context.

COMPLEX

The public discourse suffers when drive-by media prioritizes sensational headlines over the nuanced, investigative journalism required to understand a complicated global crisis.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    media darling

    A celebrity who is especially popular and who receives frequent and very favorable attention in the news media.

  2. 02

    trial by media

    The process by which media coverage affects a person's reputation by creating a widespread perception of guilt or innocence, often before, or after, a verdict in a court of law.

© 2026 English Reference