Overview
The Washington Examiner is a U.S.-based political journalism outlet headquartered in Washington, D.C. It publishes a weekly print magazine focused on national politics and maintains a daily digital presence covering news, policy, and opinion. The Examiner is widely read by political professionals, policy analysts, and audiences interested in federal government affairs.
Format and content
The organization produces a combination of reporting and commentary. The weekly magazine includes feature reporting, long-form analysis, and opinion essays, while the website offers daily news updates, investigative pieces, and commentary. Common topics include Congress, the White House, federal agencies, elections, and public policy.
History and development
The publication began in the mid-2000s as a free daily newspaper serving the Washington, D.C., area. In June 2013 its owners announced a strategic shift: the local daily print edition was discontinued on June 14, 2013, and the title redirected resources toward a nationally focused weekly magazine and expanded online coverage. That transition reflected a broader industry trend toward digital-first distribution and niche national political coverage.
Ownership and editorial perspective
The Washington Examiner is part of a media group owned by private interests. Over time it has become known for a conservative-leaning editorial posture on its opinion pages, alongside reporting that aims to serve the information needs of policymakers and politically engaged readers. Editorial pages and news reporting are distinct in purpose, with opinion content representing a separate voice.
Sections and typical features
- Daily political news and breaking coverage online
- In-depth features and investigations in the weekly magazine
- Opinion columns and guest essays from national commentators
- Policy analysis, including budget, national security, and regulatory matters
Role and significance
The Washington Examiner occupies a niche among outlets that target Washington insiders and politically active readers. Its mix of opinion and reporting contributes to public debates on federal policy and elections, and its weekly magazine format aims to offer context and long-form perspective that complements faster-paced digital reporting.