SCOTUSblog Gets Gobbled Up By Right-Leaning Media
If you’ve been following the financial and legal woes of SCOTUSblog co-founder Tom Goldstein, you probably assumed that legal media institution’s independence wasn’t long for this world. Earlier today, Ben Mullin of the New York Times reported that the right-wing, subscription-based publication The Dispatch purchased SCOTUSblog.
Along with the domain saved in every attorney’s favorites list, The Dispatch also acquired the talents of Amy Howe, the other SCOTUSblog co-founder (and still spouse to Goldstein). As Steve Hayes, CEO and editor of The Dispatch, notes, “As part of the acquisition, The Dispatch will invest in Amy, her team, and additional staff to ensure that SCOTUSblog remains the go-to authority on the Supreme Court.”
With SCOTUSblog’s acquisition by the conservative blogosphere, many worry that the neutral, fact-driven reporting at the blog will be eroded under new ownership.
But that isn’t the only expansion touted by The Dispatch today. Former ATL colleague David Lat also inked a deal with the conservative publication.
In the coming weeks, we’ll announce additional talent—including a partnership with Original Jurisdiction founder and legal commentator David Lat—to help us grow SCOTUSblog’s capabilities, and these expanded offerings will be reserved for Dispatch members.
It’s clear The Dispatch is looking to grow its influence both among lawyers and beyond to the general public. And those looking for ahem, a different perspective than the one The Dispatch monetizes will have to look elsewhere.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
