1819 News
1819 News is an American conservative news website focused on the state of Alabama. The publication was launched in October 2021 as a subsidiary of the Alabama Policy Institute, but has been an independent non-profit organization since January 2023.
![]() | |
Type of site | News website |
---|---|
Available in | English |
Headquarters | Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
Owner | 1819 News, LLC |
President | Bryan Dawson |
URL | 1819news |
Commercial | Yes |
Launched | October 2021 |
Current status | Active |
History
1819 News began as a podcast, the 1819 News Recap, released by the Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative state think tank, in 2020.[1] It started publication as an Alabama statewide news organization in October 2021,[2] under the institute's media wing.[3] Former Alabama state senator Phil Williams, then the institute's chief policy officer, was involved in its creation,[4] as was Alabama Policy Institute president Caleb Crosby.[5] 1819 News president and CEO, Bryan Dawson, said he wanted to focus on the state of Alabama after the 2020 United States presidential election.[6] At its launching, 1819 News was also overseen by a not-for-profit board of directors, separate from the Alabama Policy Institute.[7] The name 1819 News is a reference to the year that the state of Alabama was admitted to the union.[8]
The website became fully independent of the Alabama Policy Institute in January 2023 and is now managed by a non-profit LLC of the same name.[2][6] In February 2023, YouTube suspended the account of 1819 News: The Podcast for violating the website's community guidelines; 1819 News characterized the suspension as "Big Tech censorship" in a follow-up article.[9]
Staffing
1819 News is led by president and CEO Bryan Dawson, who also runs the website's podcasts.[10][11] Journalist and sportswriter Ray Melick was the website's first editor-in-chief before his retirement in July 2022.[12][13] Jeff Poor, a radio show host and former Breitbart News contributor, was hired as a political editor in February 2022[10] and became the editor-in-chief in June 2023.[14]
Reporting
1819 News is considered a conservative media outlet.[10][15][16] It publishes Alabama-focused news, sports, podcasts, opinion pieces and columns.[11][15][17][18] Prior to the website's launching, Dawson said that the goals of 1819 News would include "hold[ing] leaders and politicians accountable while also celebrating the positive things Alabama has to offer".[3] 1819 News has been praised by media executive Steve Bannon, who called it a "fantastic site".[8]
References
- "State Think Tanks Expand Reach With Powerful Podcasts". State Policy Network. August 28, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "1819 News launched as a separate entity by the Alabama Policy Institute". 1819 News. January 12, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Holbert, Rob (September 22, 2021). "Strickler named interim GM at WALA - Media Frenzy". Lagniappe Mobile. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "API launches media arm, former State Senator Phil Williams to host inaugural radio program". Yellowhammer News. June 22, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Holmes, Jacob (January 26, 2023). "Alabama Policy Institute names Stephanie Smith new CEO". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "Rise to the Moment of Truth: 1819 News celebrates two years". October 20, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- Curran, Hannah (September 25, 2021). "Former Tribune editor takes managing editor position at 1819 News". Trussville Tribune. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "Steve Bannon praises 1819 News: 'A fantastic site'". 1819 News. August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "Big Tech censorship strikes 1819 News — YouTube bans '1819 News: The Podcast' for opposing woke agenda". 1819 News. February 15, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Cann, Beth (February 25, 2022). "Political powerhouse commentator Jeff Poor leaves Yellowhammer News". Alabama Today. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Moseley, Brandon (March 13, 2022). "Conservatives hold rally and prayer service in front of the Alabama State Capital". Alabama Today. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Melick, Ray (July 30, 2022). "Ray Melick announces retirement after legendary career in news". 1819 News. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "ASWA set to honor '50 legends', induct 2 Hall of Famers this weekend in Birmingham". AL.com. June 11, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- "Jeff Poor to lead 1819 News as editor-in-chief". 1819 News. June 9, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Koplowitz, Howard (February 21, 2023). "Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed: Leaked profanity-filled audio about Black votes part of extortion attempt". AL.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Moulton, Michelle (January 31, 2023). "War on Women Report: Republicans Propose 150 Anti-Trans Bills; Idaho Republican Says Women Are Like Cows; Trump Glosses Over His Role in the End of Roe". Ms. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Montellaro, Zach; Fernandez, Madison (October 5, 2023). "Court picks new Alabama congressional map that will likely flip one seat to Democrats". Politico. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Brooks, Michael (November 30, 2021). "Former Miss Alabama says children must be inspired at home". The Alabama Baptist. Retrieved October 10, 2023.