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
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 20
—
Factual
—
Objective
25
Articles
25
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Recent coverage
Donald Trump Cancels Second Mainstream Interview in Days
Donald Trump canceled a scheduled interview with NBC News' Christine Romans in Philadelphia, marking the second time in days he has canceled a mainstream media appearance. According to CNN, the interview was reportedly postponed rather than canceled outright. Earlier in the week, Trump also canceled an appearance on CNBC's 'Squawk Box,' despite being physically close to the studio on the same day, as he was set to appear on Fox & Friends. His campaign attributed the cancellations to a dynamic campaign schedule but did not provide specific explanations. Additionally, the NRA confirmed that Trump had withdrawn from a planned event in Savannah, Georgia, citing a scheduling conflict. These cancellations come amid reports of unusual behavior at Trump's recent rallies, including dancing and playing music, which have drawn public scrutiny and concern.
Mitch McConnell Called Donald Trump a ‘Stupid’ and ‘Despicable Human Being’
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell referred to Donald Trump as 'stupid,' 'ill-tempered,' and 'despicable human being' in private personal oral histories shared with journalist Michael Tackett. These comments were made after the 2020 election, which Trump lost, and reflect McConnell's frustration with Trump's leadership style and the fallout from the January 6 Capitol attack. Despite these private criticisms, McConnell publicly endorsed Trump as the Republican presidential nominee in March 2024, joining other former critics of Trump who have shifted toward supporting him. This contradiction highlights the internal tensions within the Republican Party regarding Trump's role and influence.
Witnesses Say Would-Be Organ Donor Started ‘Thrashing’ on the Table
An incident at a Kentucky hospital in 2021 raised concerns about organ donation practices when a presumed brain-dead patient, Anthony Thomas 'TJ' Hoover II, allegedly began moving and crying during a medical assessment. Natasha Miller, a preservationist, reported the patient's movement, leading surgeons to halt the transplant. However, the hospital was instructed to proceed by the organ donor coordination group, KODA. A spokesperson for the Network for Hope, formed by KODA and LifeCenter, denied allegations of pressure to collect organs from living patients. A former KODA employee, Nyckoletta Martin, alleged the patient was sedated rather than properly assessed and later became a whistleblower, calling for congressional action. A coalition of professionals and patients criticized misinformation affecting public trust in organ donation, prompting investigations by state and federal authorities.
Menendez Family Members: We Had ‘Gut-Level’ Fears Erik and Lyle Were Sexually Abused
The relatives of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in the 1989 murder of their parents, have expressed long-standing concerns that the brothers were sexually abused throughout their childhood. During an interview with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation, family members described their 'gut-level' fears as becoming increasingly validated over time. The brothers, who have spent 35 years in prison, claim their actions were driven by years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by their father, alongside their mother's alleged complicity and silence. The prosecution has previously dismissed these claims as a 'total fabrication,' suggesting the brothers acted out of greed to inherit their family's fortune. However, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office is now reviewing new evidence that could support the abuse allegations. Family members argue that the abuse explains the brothers' behavior during and after the crime, describing their actions as stemming from extreme pain and desperation.
One Direction Star Liam Payne Dead After Fall in Argentina
Liam Payne, a former member of the boy band One Direction, was found dead in a hotel courtyard in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after a fall from his third-floor hotel room balcony, according to reports from CNN and La Nación. Argentine authorities stated that Payne had been staying at the upscale CasaSur Hotel in Palermo. The incident occurred on October 16, 2024, with witnesses indicating he had acted erratically earlier in the day, smashing his laptop and needing assistance returning to his room. A spokesperson for Buenos Aires' public emergency medical services noted Payne likely suffered a severe head injury from a fall between 13 and 14 meters. The official cause of death remains under investigation, pending an autopsy. Prior to his death, Payne had posted several Snapchat videos and photos, some of which were later deleted but archived by followers. He had recently traveled to Argentina to attend a concert by former bandmate Niall Horan.
Stormy Daniels Says Trump Is Trying to Silence Her Again
Donald Trump is accused of trying to silence Stormy Daniels again through a potential hush money deal, according to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. Daniels, an adult film performer, previously revealed that Trump paid her $130,000 in 2016 to keep quiet about a past affair. Trump's lawyers reportedly attempted to negotiate a new agreement where Daniels would agree not to speak publicly about their history in exchange for reducing the legal debt she owes Trump. The offer initially proposed lowering the debt from $650,000 to $620,000, but Daniels reportedly rejected the non-disclosure agreement and paid $627,500 without signing. This follows Trump's recent conviction on 34 counts of fraud related to the same issue, with sentencing delayed until after the 2024 election. Maddow cites Daniels and her legal team as sources, noting that the campaign claimed the communications were part of Iranian hacking attempts.
Trump Calls Jan. 6, the Day His Supporters Led a Failed Insurrection, ‘A Day of Love’
Former President Donald Trump described January 6, 2021—the day his supporters attempted to overturn the 2020 election results by attacking the U.S. Capitol—as a 'day of love.' During a town hall event, Trump claimed that the large crowd that gathered in Washington, D.C., was motivated by concerns over election integrity rather than his leadership. He insisted that his supporters were peaceful and did not carry weapons, despite evidence showing significant violence and damage caused during the attack. Trump also exaggerated the size of the crowd and downplayed the chaos, including the death of one protestor and a police officer. He further suggested that his insistence on 'peaceful and patriotic' actions prevented Democrats from stopping him, despite evidence that he watched the violence unfold on television without intervening.
‘Anora’: The Screwball Stripper Odyssey That Should Win All the Oscars
The film 'Anora,' directed by Sean Baker, follows the life of Ani, a 23-year-old stripper in Brighton Beach, who becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with a wealthy Russian playboy named Ivan. The movie blends elements of character study, romance, crime, comedy, and documentary-style storytelling, highlighting Ani's struggles and aspirations in a challenging environment. Ani, played by Mikey Madison, navigates her work at a strip club while being drawn into Ivan's luxurious world, leading to a transactional relationship where she agrees to be his exclusive girlfriend for a week in exchange for $15,000. The film explores themes of survival, desire, and identity, showcasing both the allure and exploitation inherent in such dynamics.
Tegan and Sara: The Pop-Rock Twins Driven Mad by a Wild Catfishing Scheme
The article discusses the catfishing scheme involving Tegan and Sara, the Canadian indie rock twins, where an imposter impersonated Tegan for over a decade, deceiving fans, friends, and business partners. The imposter, referred to as 'Fegan,' gained trust by sharing private information and personal content, leading to long-term relationships. A fan named Julie discovered the fraud by receiving unauthorized images of the twins' passports and alerted others, prompting further revelations from other fans who believed they were communicating with Tegan. The issue highlights the risks of online anonymity and the emotional impact on both the celebrities and their supporters.
Harris Shuts Down Bret Baier as He Plays the MAGA Hits
In a tense interview with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Fox News host Bret Baier focused on issues typically emphasized by former President Donald Trump, including immigration and gender-affirming surgery policies for federal prisoners. Baier repeatedly interrupted Harris as she attempted to answer questions, pressing her on the number of undocumented immigrants released under the Biden administration and the deaths of three women whose suspected killers crossed the border during Biden's tenure. Harris shifted blame to Trump for the failure of a bipartisan border security bill and expressed condolences for the victims' families. When Baier raised concerns about Harris's stance on gender-affirming surgery for prisoners, citing a Trump campaign ad, Harris defended the policy, stating it existed under the Trump administration. She noted that a 2022 court ruling allowed the first federal prisoner to receive such surgery after a lengthy legal battle. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois reported that approximately 1,200 federal inmates require gender-affirming care, while the Bureau of Prisons lists 158,892 current inmates. Harris avoided answering whether she
Anderson Cooper Literally Calls Bulls*** on Surrogate’s Trump Defense
Anderson Cooper criticized a Republican surrogate, Abel Maldonado, for defending Donald Trump by comparing his rhetoric to that of New Yorkers, whom Cooper dismissed as 'bulls---.' During a CNN segment, Maldonado argued that military officials critical of Trump had fallen out of his favor, suggesting their criticism was insincere. Cooper challenged Maldonado's comparison, pointing out that New Yorkers, including those involved in high-profile cases like the Central Park Five, do not typically invoke fascist rhetoric. Maldonado defended Trump's policies, claiming he reduced inflation, secured the border, and lowered crime, but avoided directly addressing concerns about Trump's behavior.
‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’: Is Heather Gay a Hypocrite for Taking Ozempic?
The article discusses Season 5 of 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,' focusing on the complex dynamics among the cast members, particularly highlighting the personal and cultural tensions within the group. Key moments include revelations about a shared connection to a long-deceased man, discussions around Mormonism's influence on relationships and identity, and conflicts between characters like Lisa Barlow and Britani. The narrative explores themes of religion, personal growth, and social pressures within the context of the show.
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,' currently running at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The play explores the internal conflict of a famous country star named Strings, played by Driver, grappling with the desire to escape fame after his mother's death. The reviewer notes Driver's nuanced portrayal of the character, contrasting his previous roles that featured explosive temperaments. The play is described as lengthy but engaging, with strong performances from the cast, including Heather Burns as Nancy, who challenges Strings' eccentricities. The review highlights the complexity of the characters and the emotional depth of the narrative.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.