I've seen a lot of media platforms in my years, and I think that Steemit has more potential than most (or any) due to its use of blockchain technology that prevents censorship (which I view as the major obstacle to the free exchange of information in the near future - if not the present).
Whether the mechanism is artificially created outrage over, "fake news" or "hate speech" or "Russian propaganda" or anything else, every lever of power in the world has a vested interest in controlling the flow of information. The internet has been the first mechanism in history people from around the world have had to exchange information in a free and unfettered (and, importantly, unmoderated) manner on a global level. The people in power have taken note and are doing everything in their power to crack down. Steemit could very well be one of the important answers to preventing the stifling of free expression.