This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Published on August 22, 2019, a New York Times investigation revealed the inner workings of The Western Journal, a right-wing publication with a massive audience of over 36 million people.
The site, founded by Floyd G. Brown, has been accused of stoking outrage and curating a narrative in which conservatives and their values are under constant assault.
According to the investigation, The Western Journal does almost no original reporting, instead repackaging stories found elsewhere that fit into right-wing narratives chosen by the site's editors.
Contract writers, who typically have 30 minutes to write a story, work remotely to produce content that has been successful in reaching a massive audience, earning three-quarters of a billion shares, likes, and comments on Facebook in the three years ending in March.
However, the site's reach has been limited by tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Facebook, who have blacklisted or downgraded The Western Journal due to concerns over disinformation and fact-checking.
Floyd G. Brown, the founder of the site, has a history of divisive politics, including the creation of the infamous 'Willie Horton' ad during the 1988 presidential campaign.
The company also has close ties with a pro-Trump PAC, America Fighting Back, with Mr. Brown serving as its chairman.
Despite the challenges, The Western Journal has rebounded and is now about half of its prior size, with plans to release a smartphone app later this year to sidestep the gatekeeping of Big Tech.
