United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2008
Ownership
The Daily Beast launched in October 2008, founded by editor Tina Brown and backed by Barry Diller's media-and-internet holding company IAC. It remains majority-owned by IAC, but in 2024 IAC restructured the business: media veterans Ben Sherwood (former president of Disney-ABC Television Group, now publisher/CEO) and Joanna Coles (former Hearst Magazines content chief, now chief creative and content officer) were granted a 49% equity stake to run the outlet, with IAC retaining the majority.
Funding
The site is financed commercially through digital advertising, a membership/subscription program, and sponsored content, supported by IAC's corporate resources. After cutbacks it reported its first quarterly profit in 2024 with revenue up roughly 81% year over year.
Affiliation & stance
The Daily Beast publishes left-leaning news and opinion but answers to no party, church or government; it is controlled by a publicly traded commercial holding company (IAC) plus its operating executives. Because ownership is private and commercial with editorial independence from any political or state interest, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 19
–
Factual
–
Objective
25
Articles
25
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Donald Trump Cancels Second Mainstream Interview in Days
Donald Trump canceled another mainstream interview on Thursday, this time withdrawing from a planned sit-down with NBC News' senior business correspondent, Christine Romans, in Philadelphia. The cancellation followed a similar decision earlier in the week when he backed out of an in-studio appearance on CNBC's 'Squawk Box.' CNN's Brian Stelter noted that some sources suggested the NBC interview might have been postponed rather than canceled outright. This marks the second time in a week that Trump has declined to participate in a mainstream media appearance outside of the conservative news network. The cancellations highlight ongoing tensions between Trump and traditional media outlets.
Mitch McConnell Called Donald Trump a ‘Stupid’ and ‘Despicable Human Being’
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell privately referred to Donald Trump as a 'stupid,' 'ill-tempered,' and 'despicable human being' during a set of personal oral history interviews conducted for a forthcoming biography by Associated Press journalist Michael Tackett. These comments were made after the 2020 election, which Trump lost, and McConnell expressed relief at Trump's departure from office. The remarks were revealed through the biography, which the Associated Press chose to highlight. McConnell's statements reflect his personal views rather than official positions.
Witnesses Say Would-Be Organ Donor Started ‘Thrashing’ on the Table
A potential organ donor at a Kentucky hospital showed signs of being alive during a scheduled transplant operation, prompting medical staff to halt the procedure. According to Natasha Miller, a preservationist, the donor, identified as Anthony Thomas 'TJ' Hoover II, began 'thrashing' and crying visibly in the operating room. Surgeons initially refused to proceed with the transplant, but hospital officials insisted on continuing the operation and sought another physician to perform it. This incident occurred in October 2021 at Baptist Health Richmond Hospital.
Menendez Family Members: We Had ‘Gut-Level’ Fears Erik and Lyle Were Sexually Abused
Relatives of Lyle and Erik Menendez shared their long-held concerns that the brothers were sexually abused by their parents before they murdered them. During an interview with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation, family members described how their suspicions grew over time, leading to a stronger belief that abuse occurred. Karen VanderMolen-Copley, a cousin of the victims, emphasized that discussions among family members helped confirm their initial gut feelings about the abuse. The family previously expressed support for the imprisoned siblings during a press conference, highlighting the emotional complexity of their situation.
Liam Payne’s Snapchat Story Seemingly Sheds Light on Singer’s Final Hours
Liam Payne, a former member of the band One Direction, was found dead in the courtyard of a Buenos Aires hotel after reportedly falling from his balcony. Local authorities stated the incident occurred approximately 13 to 14 meters below the balcony, but the exact cause of death remains undetermined. Prior to his death, Payne shared a Snapchat post where he seemed to be enjoying a relaxed morning in Argentina, describing it as 'a lovely day' and mentioning breakfast at 1 p.m. His Snapchat Story, which appears to show him having a pleasant time, has sparked speculation among fans about the circumstances leading up to his death.
Stormy Daniels Says Trump Is Trying to Silence Her Again
Stormy Daniels, an adult film performer who previously claimed extramarital affairs with Donald Trump, alleges that Trump is again trying to silence her through financial incentives. According to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, Trump's legal team attempted to secure a new 'hush money' agreement with Daniels to prevent her from speaking publicly or privately about their alleged past interactions. This effort comes after Trump was recently convicted in a separate case involving such agreements. The proposed deal involved reducing the legal debt Daniels owed Trump by offering to adjust the amount she needed to pay for legal fees from $650,000 to $620,000 in exchange for her agreeing to a non-disclosure agreement. However, Daniels reportedly rejected this offer, ultimately paying $627,500 but refusing to sign the NDA.
Trump Calls Jan. 6, the Day His Supporters Led a Failed Insurrection, ‘A Day of Love’
Former President Donald Trump referred to January 6, 2021, the day his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election, as 'a day of love.' This statement was made during a televised election town hall hosted by Univision. Attendee Ramiro González, a construction worker from Tampa, expressed his decision to deregister as a Republican due to Trump's perceived inaction during the Capitol riot and the COVID-19 pandemic. González questioned Trump's credibility and leadership, citing the lack of support from former administration officials. The article highlights the controversy surrounding Trump's rhetoric and its implications for his potential re-election.
Tegan and Sara: The Pop-Rock Twins Driven Mad by a Wild Catfishing Scheme
The article discusses the impact of online deception on Tegan and Sara, a popular indie rock duo, through a documentary titled 'Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara.' The film explores how a mysterious individual impersonated Tegan for over a decade, deceiving fans, friends, and business associates. This catfishing scheme caused significant emotional distress for the twins and misled many supporters who believed they were engaging with the real Tegan. The documentary premiered on Hulu after initially showing at the Toronto International Film Festival. It highlights the dangers of online anonymity and the potential for abuse within digital communities.
‘Anora’: The Screwball Stripper Odyssey That Should Win All the Oscars
The article discusses the film 'Anora,' directed by Sean Baker, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. It describes the film as a multifaceted narrative that blends elements of character study, romance, crime, comedy, and documentary-style storytelling. The protagonist, Ani, is portrayed as a 23-year-old stripper in Brighton Beach, highlighting her struggles and personal journey. The film is noted for its empathetic portrayal of marginalized individuals and its unique blend of genres.
Fox News’ Bret Baier Whines About Harris After Bad-Tempered Interview
Fox News host Bret Baier described his tense interview with Vice President Kamala Harris as challenging, citing scheduling issues and her delayed arrival. The interview, which took place during a special edition of 'Special Report,' was initially planned for 5 p.m., but Harris arrived at 5:15 p.m., complicating the timeline. Baier noted that the segment was shortened from the originally intended 25-30 minutes to around 20 minutes, adding to the pressure. He used a sports analogy to describe the situation, comparing the delay to 'icing the kicker' in football. The interview marked Harris' first appearance on a major right-wing network since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.
Anderson Cooper Literally Calls Bulls*** on Surrogate’s Trump Defense
Anderson Cooper, a CNN anchor, expressed disbelief during a segment on 'AC360' regarding a Republican surrogate's defense of Donald Trump. The surrogate, former California Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado, argued that Trump's remarks about the military handling Democrats were reflective of Trump's New York roots and his fighting spirit. Cooper was taken aback by this interpretation, describing it as literally 'bulls---.' The discussion arose after Cooper mentioned concerns raised by former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley and other military leaders about the risks of re-electing Trump, with Milley labeling Trump as a 'fascist to his core.'
‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’: Is Heather Gay a Hypocrite for Taking Ozempic?
The article discusses the latest season of 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,' highlighting its dramatic developments and unique setting. It praises the show for its realistic portrayal of conflicts and relationships, comparing it to a soap opera with intense and unexpected plot twists. The piece emphasizes the show's focus on personal stories and community dynamics within Salt Lake City, noting specific incidents such as women discussing body positivity and complex family connections. While the article does not directly address any controversy regarding Heather Gay or her use of Ozempic, it sets the stage for ongoing narrative developments in the series.
Review: Will Adam Driver Explode in ‘Hold on to Me Darling’?
The review discusses Adam Driver's performance in Kenneth Lonergan's play 'Hold on to Me Darling' at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The play, though lengthy, is described as engaging due to Lonergan's writing and Driver's nuanced portrayal of a country star named Strings grappling with the desire to abandon fame after his mother's death. The reviewer notes Driver's physical presence on stage and compares his recent film work to his theater roles, highlighting his ability to portray volatile characters who eventually erupt in intense emotional outbursts.