Andrew Breitbart, American journalist, author, and publisher (d. 2012)

Who Was Andrew Breitbart? Unpacking the Legacy of a Conservative Media Innovator

Andrew James Breitbart (February 1, 1969 – March 1, 2012) was a prominent American conservative journalist, prolific writer, and influential political commentator who fundamentally reshaped aspects of online media. Known for his aggressive, confrontational style and his unwavering commitment to conservative principles, Breitbart emerged as a significant figure in the digital media landscape, leaving a lasting imprint on how political discourse is conducted online.

Early Career and Foundational Influence on Digital Media

Before launching his own eponymous media empire, Andrew Breitbart played pivotal roles in the nascent stages of two groundbreaking digital platforms that would define an era of internet news. His involvement provided crucial foundational support and strategic insight, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Breitbart News: A Voice for the Far-Right

Building on his extensive experience and a clear vision for an alternative media voice, Breitbart founded Breitbart News in 2007. This platform quickly distinguished itself as a far-right news and opinion website, explicitly designed to challenge the perceived liberal bias of mainstream media outlets.

Key Controversies and Breitbart's Central Role

Andrew Breitbart was not merely an observer of political events; he actively engaged in and often instigated significant controversies that garnered widespread national attention. His strategic use of online platforms to disseminate information and challenge conventional narratives became a hallmark of his approach.

The Anthony Weiner Sexting Scandal (2011)
Breitbart played a pivotal role in exposing and amplifying the scandal involving then-U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner. Breitbart's BigGovernment.com website was the first to publish a lewd photo allegedly sent from Weiner's Twitter account. He famously confronted Weiner at a press conference, demanding answers and further solidifying his reputation as a tenacious and uncompromising journalist willing to break sensitive stories that traditional outlets might hesitate to touch. This event underscored his method of using online platforms to directly challenge politicians and influence public discourse.
The Firing of Shirley Sherrod (2010)
In a highly controversial incident, Breitbart's BigGovernment.com posted a selectively edited video clip of Shirley Sherrod, an African American U.S. Department of Agriculture official. The clip made it appear as though Sherrod had admitted to racial discrimination against a white farmer. The video quickly went viral, leading to Sherrod's immediate firing by the Obama administration. However, the full, unedited video later revealed that her remarks had been taken out of context and were, in fact, an account of her journey overcoming racial prejudice. The USDA subsequently apologized and offered Sherrod a new position, which she declined. This episode highlighted the powerful, yet sometimes misleading, nature of viral online content and the rapid repercussions it could unleash.
The ACORN 2009 Undercover Videos Controversy
Breitbart also played a central role in promoting and publicizing a series of undercover videos targeting the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). These videos, produced by conservative activists James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles, purported to show ACORN employees advising on illegal activities. Breitbart's websites were instrumental in distributing these videos, leading to widespread outrage, Congressional hearings, and ultimately, the loss of federal funding for ACORN. While investigations later found no evidence of criminal activity by ACORN, the scandal significantly damaged the organization's reputation and operations, demonstrating Breitbart's effectiveness in leveraging online video to achieve political outcomes.

Shifting the Paradigm of Political Journalism

Andrew Breitbart's influence extended beyond the specific controversies he championed. Commentators such as Nick Gillespie and Conor Friedersdorf have credited Breitbart with fundamentally changing how people engaged with and wrote about politics. His innovative approach demonstrated a novel use of the internet:

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew Breitbart and His Impact

Who was Andrew Breitbart?
Andrew Breitbart was an American conservative journalist, writer, and political commentator best known as the founder of Breitbart News and a co-founder of The Huffington Post. He was a significant figure in the development of online conservative media.
What was Andrew Breitbart known for?
Breitbart was known for his role in major political controversies, including the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal, the Shirley Sherrod video, and the ACORN undercover videos. He was also credited with showing how the internet could be used to bypass traditional media and influence political discourse.
What is Breitbart News?
Breitbart News is a far-right news and opinion website founded by Andrew Breitbart. It is known for its conservative viewpoint, aggressive reporting, and focus on political and cultural issues from a right-wing perspective.
How did Andrew Breitbart change journalism?
Breitbart changed journalism by demonstrating how the internet and social media could be used to directly publish information, challenge mainstream narratives, and bypass traditional media gatekeepers. He popularized a more activist, confrontational style of online political reporting.