Andrew Breitbart, American journalist and publisher (b. 1969)

Andrew James Breitbart (February 1, 1969 – March 1, 2012) was a pivotal figure in modern American conservative media, a journalist, writer, and outspoken political commentator whose entrepreneurial spirit reshaped how political news and opinion were consumed online. He is best known as the founder of Breitbart News, a prominent far-right news and opinion website, and also played a foundational role as a co-founder of HuffPost, showcasing his early and diverse impact on digital journalism.

Early Career and Digital Media Pioneer

Breitbart’s journey into the media spotlight began at the very dawn of the internet's impact on news. He was instrumental in the early stages of two groundbreaking online platforms: the Drudge Report and HuffPost. His work with Matt Drudge helped define the aggregator model, bringing together diverse news sources and shaping the early 24/7 news cycle online. Subsequently, his involvement as a co-founder of Arianna Huffington’s HuffPost demonstrated his foresight in creating a new kind of digital media outlet – one that blended traditional journalism with blogging and community engagement. These experiences provided the fertile ground for his later, more direct ventures into partisan media.

Founding Breitbart News and His Media Philosophy

Building on his extensive experience, Andrew Breitbart launched Breitbart News, which quickly became a significant voice in conservative media. His vision was to create a platform that would challenge what he perceived as the biases of mainstream media, offering a robust conservative perspective. He believed in what he called "walking toward the fire," actively seeking out and exposing what he saw as corruption or hypocrisy. This philosophy often manifested in confrontational journalism, which resonated strongly with his audience and significantly impacted the conservative media landscape. Breitbart News, under his guidance, became an influential platform, demonstrating how the internet could bypass traditional "gatekeepers" and directly engage a politically charged readership.

Key Controversies and Impact on Political Discourse

Throughout his career, Andrew Breitbart was at the epicenter of several high-profile political controversies, skillfully using new media tools to amplify his message and challenge established narratives.

The ACORN 2009 Undercover Videos Controversy

Perhaps one of his most impactful early interventions was the exposure of the ACORN 2009 undercover videos controversy. Breitbart’s website played a central role in disseminating videos recorded by James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles, which purported to show ACORN employees advising on illegal activities. This story exploded across the media, leading to significant public outcry and the eventual defunding of the community organizing group. It became a prime example of how citizen journalism and viral video could generate immense political pressure and spark national debates, often sidestepping traditional media filters.

The Firing of Shirley Sherrod

Another major incident was the firing of Shirley Sherrod in 2010. Breitbart’s site posted a deceptively edited video clip of Sherrod, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official, appearing to make racist remarks. The video quickly went viral, leading to Sherrod's immediate dismissal. However, when the full, unedited video emerged, it revealed that her remarks had been taken out of context and actually told a story of racial reconciliation. This controversy highlighted the power and peril of selectively edited media in the digital age, sparking a national discussion about media ethics, context, and the speed at which information (and misinformation) can spread online.

The Anthony Weiner Sexting Scandal

In 2011, Breitbart was deeply involved in the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal. It was his website that first reported on a lewd photo sent from Congressman Anthony Weiner's Twitter account to a college student, igniting a firestorm that ultimately led to Weiner's resignation. Breitbart personally appeared on television, challenging Weiner and providing commentary that pushed the story into the mainstream. This episode further cemented Breitbart's reputation as a relentless, confrontational figure in conservative media, willing to pursue stories that challenged powerful figures.

Commenters like Nick Gillespie and Conor Friedersdorf have widely acknowledged Breitbart's transformative influence, crediting him with fundamentally changing the landscape of political commentary. They noted his unique ability to "show how the Internet could be used to route around information bottlenecks imposed by official spokesmen and legacy news outlets." His innovative, albeit often controversial, approach to digital media demonstrated the immense power of online platforms to shape public opinion and political narratives, paving the way for a new era of direct-to-consumer political journalism.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Andrew Breitbart tragically passed away on March 1, 2012, at the age of 43. Despite his untimely death, his impact on conservative media and online journalism remains profound. Breitbart News has continued to operate, evolving into one of the most trafficked conservative news sites globally, a testament to the foundation he laid. His philosophy of aggressive, partisan online journalism and his pioneering use of digital tools to challenge established narratives continue to influence political discourse and media strategy, long after his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Breitbart

Who was Andrew Breitbart?

Andrew Breitbart was an influential American conservative journalist, writer, and political commentator, best known for founding Breitbart News. He was also a co-founder of HuffPost and played a significant role in the early development of the Drudge Report.

What did Andrew Breitbart found?

He founded Breitbart News, a prominent far-right news and opinion website. He was also a co-founder of HuffPost.

When was Andrew Breitbart born and when did he pass away?

Andrew Breitbart was born on February 1, 1969, and he passed away on March 1, 2012.

What controversies was Andrew Breitbart involved in?

He played central roles in several high-profile controversies, including the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal, the firing of Shirley Sherrod, and the ACORN 2009 undercover videos controversy.

What was Andrew Breitbart's impact on journalism and politics?

Breitbart is credited with changing how people wrote about politics by demonstrating how the internet could be used to bypass traditional media and official spokesmen. He pioneered a confrontational style of online journalism that became highly influential in conservative media and significantly impacted political discourse in the digital age.