1819 News

American Conservative News Website

1819 News is a conservative news website that focuses on the state of Alabama. The publication was launched in October 2021 as a subsidiary of the Alabama Policy Institute, but has been an independent non-profit organization since January 2023.

History

1819 News began as a podcast, the 1819 News Recap, released by the Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative state think tank, in 2020. The podcast was created to provide news and analysis on Alabama politics and policy. In October 2021, the podcast was expanded into a full-fledged news website, with a focus on covering news and events in Alabama.

Staffing

1819 News is led by president and CEO Bryan Dawson, who also hosts the website’s podcasts. The website’s editor-in-chief is Jeff Poor, a radio show host and Breitbart News contributor. Other staff members include Apryl Marie Fogel, a commentator and writer who has written for Alabama Today and other publications.

Reporting

1819 News publishes Alabama-focused news, sports, podcasts, opinion pieces, and columns. The website covers a wide range of topics, including politics, education, healthcare, and business. 1819 News has been praised by media executive Steve Bannon, who called it a “fantastic site”.

Notable Stories

In December 2022, 1819 News published a series of articles reporting on the financial connections of former Republican Alabama House of Representatives speaker Mac McCutcheon, including McCutcheon’s links to convicted fraudster John Hornbuckle. In February 2023, 1819 News first reported on leaked recordings of Montgomery mayor Steven Reed making profanity-laden comments about Maxwell Air Force Base.

Controversy

In November 2023, 1819 News published an article on Bubba Copeland, a Baptist minister and the mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama. The piece included social media posts from Copeland, under a pseudonym, in which he cross-dressed wearing women’s clothing and described himself as a “transgender curvy girl”. 1819 News also released a follow-up article stating that Copeland had written a violent fictional story featuring a real-life woman and posted pictures of local residents, including minors, without their knowledge. Copeland died by suicide on November 3, 2023, two days after the articles were published.

Criticism

1819 News has faced criticism for its reporting on Copeland, with some accusing the website of outing him and contributing to his death. Alabama Today commentator Apryl Marie Fogel defended 1819 News, writing that the “villain” in the story was “not the reporter who brought the story to light or the outlet that published it” and that outside media reporting had failed “to present the complete and graphic details of [Copeland’s] abusive behavior”.

Other Notable Stories

In early 2025, 1819 News ran a series of articles by Apryl Marie Fogel criticizing Samford University for what the website pejoratively described as “woke creep” at the university, referencing its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as proposed real estate developments that would permit the sale of alcohol. The articles reportedly prompted a response from university president Beck A. Taylor, who called the 1819 News stories “unfair, out of context, and at times completely false” in an email to the university’s board of trustees.

References

• “Steve Bannon praises 1819 News: ‘A fantastic site’”. 1819 News. August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
• “State Think Tanks Expand Reach With Powerful Podcasts”. State Policy Network. August 28, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
• “1819 News launched as a separate entity by the Alabama Policy Institute”. 1819 News. January 12, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
• “API launches media arm, former State Senator Phil Williams to host inaugural radio program”. Yellowhammer News. June 22, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
• “Alabama Policy Institute names Stephanie Smith new CEO”. Alabama Political Reporter. January 26, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.

External Links

• Official website