American Independent Institute

American Independent
Founder(s)David S. Bennahum, David Brock
Established2006, relaunched in 2014
PresidentJoe Conason
Formerly calledCenter for Independent Media (2006–2010)
American Independent News Network (2010–2014)
Location
Washington, D.C.
Websitetainews.com
"The Center for Independent Media" redirects here. For the global open publishing network of journalist collectives, see Independent Media Center.

The American Independent is a pseudo-news organization funded by Democratic Party political action committees.[1] According to the organization, its aim is to support journalism which exposes "the nexus of conservative power in Washington."[2] The current institute, started by David Brock in 2014, is a relaunch of the former state-based digital news-gathering network known as the American Independent News Network.[3][4]

As of 2024, the American Independent had state level affiliates in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Its outlets microtarget ideologically moderate and progressive female voters, seeking to sway them to vote for Democrats.[5] The American Independent is run in concert with American Bridge 21st Century, the largest Democratic Party opposition research group. The American Independent does not disclose its donors. According to The Washington Post, "The Independent has quietly positioned itself on the edge of an emerging and controversial industry fueled by ideological donors who are looking to further political agendas with the trappings of old-fashioned journalism."[6]

  1. ^ Anderson-Davis, Stuart (February 23, 2024). ""Pink Slime Journalism" and a history of media manipulation in America". Columbia Journalism Review. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. ^ Byers, Dylan (June 19, 2014). "David Brock to launch journalism institute". Politico. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  3. ^ Benton, Joshua (July 18, 2011). "Pew: Nonprofit journalism doesn't mean ideology-free". Neiman Lab. Harvard University. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  4. ^ "American Independent Institute". InfluenceWatch. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  5. ^ Kimbel-Sannit, Arren (17 April 2024). "Progressive dark money launches Montana media outlet ahead of election". Montana Free Press. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  6. ^ Scherer, Michael (October 14, 2022). "Newspapers with a partisan aim filling the void of traditional media". Retrieved 24 October 2024.