Matt Drudge

On August 10, 1997, the Drudge Report broke a significant political story involving President Bill Clinton allegedly giving golfing partner Everett Koop's wife a necklace after a round of golf. It was one of the site's first major scoops, establishing Matt Drudge as a formidable presence in new media. This event underscored the emerging power of internet journalism in impacting political news and narratives and was an early example of Drudge's influence in headlining political controversies, setting the template for future reports that challenged the established media.

On January 17, 1998, the Drudge Report broke the story of President Bill Clinton's alleged affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which mainstream media had initially suppressed. The report was among the first times an online news platform beat traditional media outlets to a major national political story, highlighting the growing influence of internet journalism. This event significantly increased Matt Drudge's reputation and the popularity of the Drudge Report as a source for breaking news, especially for stories that traditional news outlets might ignore or censor.

On June 2, 1999, Matt Drudge expanded his media presence by launching a national radio show. Broadcast through the Premiere Radio Networks, the show allowed Drudge to bring his news curation style to the radio format, sharing his insights and political commentary with a broader audience. The success of the radio show illustrated Drudge's influence across different media platforms and his ability to engage listeners with his distinctive style of commentary, blending news with opinion and analysis.

On August 10, 1999, Matt Drudge won a legal victory when a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Sidney Blumenthal was dismissed. Drudge had reported an unfounded story about Blumenthal, an aide to President Clinton, which led to Blumenthal suing Drudge for $30 million. The case was closely watched as it dealt with the legal challenges of internet journalism and the responsibility of online publishers for content. This legal battle was a landmark case in the evolving field of online media law, influencing how internet publishers viewed their legal responsibilities.

In September 2003, the Drudge Report broke news related to the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case by being one of the first outlets to identify the accuser, which mainstream media at that time had chosen not to do to protect her identity. This report exemplified Drudge’s combative style of fearless reporting, challenging traditional journalistic norms. The incident again demonstrated the power of digital media to cut through the constraints of conventional news ethics and responsibility to public interest, and it sparked debates about privacy and journalism limits.

During the 2004 United States presidential elections, the Drudge Report played a key role in shaping the media coverage and public perception of the campaigns. Matt Drudge's site was credited for influencing how stories were reported and perceived by bringing to light various controversies, including the swift boat veterans' criticism and the CBS document authenticity issues, which affected the election narratives. The Drudge Report's impact in this election underscored the importance of digital media platforms in political strategies and public engagement.

In March 2006, Time magazine named Matt Drudge as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. This recognition was due to the Drudge Report's impact on news distribution and political coverage. Drudge's website was known for breaking major political stories, curating news from various sources, and setting the agenda for national discourse. The inclusion of Drudge in this list highlighted the significant role of digital media in shaping public opinion and politics in the early 21st century.

In the 2008 United States presidential elections, the Drudge Report was again recognized as a powerful force in political media. Matt Drudge's site provided breaking news and aggregated content that influenced public perception and media narratives. His unique selection of stories and headlines often set the agenda for broader political discussions, proving digital media's crucial role in campaign strategies. This influence grew from continually breaking important stories and impacting how mainstream media covered the elections.

On January 1, 2013, the Drudge Report achieved a record high ranking on the internet traffic website Alexa as one of the top 500 global websites. This milestone reflected the website’s massive reach and influence in shaping news consumption, showcasing Matt Drudge's significant position in the media landscape. It was an indication of how online platforms were eclipsing traditional media outlets in bringing news and commentary to the public, with Drudge remaining a top destination for breaking news.

On October 15, 2015, Matt Drudge publicly criticized the Republican Party's handling of their primary debates, accusing them of being overly controlled and criticizing the format through his Twitter and the Drudge Report. This criticism came as he believed the debates were stifling to candidates and the audience. Drudge’s comments stirred discussions about the media's role in political processes and reflected his willingness to challenge even the political entities he had previously aligned with, showing his commitment to independent journalism.