The publication of the Brentwood Eagle marked the first time Andrew Breitbart shared his writing, a comedic piece analyzing the parking lot disparities at his private high school. This early interest in observing social imbalances eventually propelled him into a career as a prominent American journalist, publisher, and opinion commentator who reshaped how political discourse functioned online.
Early Development and Education
Born in Los Angeles in 1969 to Irish American parents, he was adopted as an infant by Gerald and Arlene Breitbart. Raised in the Brentwood neighborhood, he attended the Brentwood School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in American studies from Tulane University in 1991. During his youth, he maintained a connection to Judaism, attending Hebrew school and completing a Bar Mitzvah, a faith he continued to embrace throughout his professional career.
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Initially holding left-leaning views, he underwent a shift in perspective while observing the 1991 Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings. He began identifying as a Reagan conservative with libertarian leanings, influenced by radio commentators and literature that critiqued critical theory. This ideological pivot informed his subsequent efforts to build media platforms that operated outside the traditional legacy news environment.
Founding New Media
His entry into digital media began in 1995 after he contacted Matt Drudge, leading to a collaboration that shaped the early internet news landscape. He was instrumental in the launch of The Huffington Post and later established his own outlet, Breitbart News. These projects were designed to bypass established information bottlenecks, effectively creating decentralized spaces for conservative reporting and commentary.
Career and Controversy
He served as a columnist for The Washington Times and authored works such as Hollywood, Interrupted and Righteous Indignation. His reporting sparked significant public debate, particularly regarding the ACORN undercover videos, the Shirley Sherrod firing, and the Anthony Weiner scandal. While these projects garnered praise for challenging mainstream narratives, they also invited legal scrutiny, including a defamation lawsuit filed by Sherrod in 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Los Angeles
- Died: 2012, Los Angeles
- Education: Tulane University
- Political Stance: Reagan conservative
- Notable Book: Righteous Indignation
- Burial Site: Hillside Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
What was Andrew Breitbart's role in the media?
He was an American journalist, publisher, and the founder of Breitbart News, known for co-founding The Huffington Post and working with the Drudge Report.
Where is Andrew Breitbart buried?
He is buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
Achievements
- Affiliated with The Washington Times
- Educated at Tulane University, Brentwood School and Tulane University School of Liberal Arts
- Worked as journalist, publisher and editing staff
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