The Drudge Report and Politics: Relevant Information or Pure Insinuation?

Since its launch in 1996, The Drudge Report has been a cornucopia for anyone and everyone that's on a hunt for a juicy news story. Through irresistible sensational headlines, and a knack for the right wording, Matt Drudge has the ability to hook a New York Times reporter just as easily as homebody in Minnesota. 

It's somewhat hard to believe that a website written in basic HTML with a revenue completely based on advertisements has, according to a New York Times article, the ability to maintain a consistent flow of traffic that totals 12 - 14 million viewers a month.  According to Amy S. Mitchell, the deputy director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism, it's all about longevity. "He was an early and powerful force in setting the news agenda and has somehow maintained that even as there has been a great deal of change in the way people get their news.” 

Aside from the Times, other publications also agree that Drudge has a sort of timeless quality when it comes to his methods of delivering the news. A Salon article written by Heather Digby Parton pulls from many other articles and reports that continue to praise Drudge. Publications like Politico reported that Drudge is doing better than ever considering his new high traffic levels. On the other hand The New York Time continue to find his headlines front-page material.

Drudge is known for being the first to break major political news scandals like that of Monica Lewinsky, thus proving his credibility. However he equally has a history of fabrications and misrepresentations through headlines. According to Parton, his involvement in the most recent election may not be so beneficial, "Drudge doesn’t even try to find political relevance to his lewd, juvenile innuendo." 

It's no secret that Drude is a driving force in the media. The only question is whether or not he is driving the it the right way.  According to the Salon article he may not be,  but a few mainstream media outlets are eating it up. 

Andrew Breitbart said. “ he just has the best nose for news there is. He gives people everything, every single thing, they want to know in a single stop." The wording there is crucial, because yes, honestly some people do want to hear that Hilary Clinton has a lesbian lover, or a terminal illness, or both. He really can decide who he wants to attract and then suck them in. 

Parton believes, "As long as Matt Drudge is driving the news cycle, it will only get worse." I can honestly say I'm indifferent. We can leave it to Drudges harsh insinuations or mainstream media conglomerates feeding a one sides agenda. At this point it's really just about picking your poison until independent outlets can slay this beast once and for all.