Politicker Network
Encyclopedia
The Politicker Network, or Politicker.com was a national network of fifty state-based political websites operated by The New York Observer.
New York Observer
blog, "The Politicker," which focused on New York state politics. Launched in 2005, the original blog became "the most widely read" blog among political circles. It was called the "Best Local Politics Blog" by the Village Voice, who noted the lively comment section. In 2005, failed candidate for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City
, Christopher X. Brodeur
, was arrested for leaving death threats on Smith's New York Observer voice mail, in retaliation for unflattering coverage in the Politicker blog.
, was hired as National Managing Editor in January 2008.boobies
In December 2008, the network was reduced from 17 to 6 sites, with a focus on the northeast region. By January 2009, the New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania were closed, leaving the network with sites remaining in New York and New Jersey. Those closings effectively ended the national aspirations of the "Politicker" brand.
, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the Pittsburgh City Paper
, the The Beaver County Times
, The Citizens' Voice, and the Lancaster New Era.
Journalist Dan Hirschhorn
worked as the Philadelphia-based correspondent for PolitickerPA. PolitickerPA was closed in January 2009, causing one journalist to exclaim "Damn. One less source to do our work for us." The Pittsburgh Tribune Review and the Lancaster Sunday News reported on local connections in PolitickerPA's "Power List 2008."
PolitickerPA is not to be confused with another Pennsylvania politics website, PoliticsPA
.
Origins
The network had its origins in journalist Ben Smith'sBen Smith (journalist)
Ben Smith is an American political journalist and blogger for the news outlet Politico, which was frequently cited during the 2008 presidential election. He formerly wrote for the Wall Street Journal Europe, the New York Sun, the New York Observer and wrote a political column for the New York Daily...
New York Observer
New York Observer
The New York Observer is a weekly newspaper first published in New York City on September 22, 1987, by Arthur L. Carter, a very successful former investment banker with publishing interests. The Observer focuses on the city's culture, real estate, the media, politics and the entertainment and...
blog, "The Politicker," which focused on New York state politics. Launched in 2005, the original blog became "the most widely read" blog among political circles. It was called the "Best Local Politics Blog" by the Village Voice, who noted the lively comment section. In 2005, failed candidate for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City
Mayor of New York City
The Mayor of the City of New York is head of the executive branch of New York City's government. The mayor's office administers all city services, public property, police and fire protection, most public agencies, and enforces all city and state laws within New York City.The budget overseen by the...
, Christopher X. Brodeur
Christopher X. Brodeur
Christopher X. Brodeur is an artist, writer, and musician. Brodeur has been acquitted and found not guilty after being arrested and spending time in jail for harassing members of New York City's mayor's press office staff...
, was arrested for leaving death threats on Smith's New York Observer voice mail, in retaliation for unflattering coverage in the Politicker blog.
Growth and decline
James Pindell, formerly of The Boston GlobeThe Boston Globe
The Boston Globe is an American daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe has been owned by The New York Times Company since 1993...
, was hired as National Managing Editor in January 2008.boobies
In December 2008, the network was reduced from 17 to 6 sites, with a focus on the northeast region. By January 2009, the New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania were closed, leaving the network with sites remaining in New York and New Jersey. Those closings effectively ended the national aspirations of the "Politicker" brand.
PolitickerPA.com
The Pennsylvania bureau, called PolitickerPA.com, was cited as a source by the other news media, including the Philadelphia Daily NewsPhiladelphia Daily News
The Philadelphia Daily News is a tabloid newspaper that serves Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The newspaper is owned by Philadelphia Media Holdings which also owns Philadelphia's other major newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Daily News began publishing on March 31, 1925, under...
, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the Pittsburgh City Paper
Pittsburgh City Paper
The Pittsburgh City Paper is Pittsburgh's leading alternative weekly newspaper which focuses on local news, opinion, and arts and entertainment...
, the The Beaver County Times
The Beaver County Times
The Beaver County Times is a daily newspaper published in Beaver, Pennsylvania, United States. The Times is a direct descendant of many of Beaver County's newspapers, starting with the Minerva, first published in 1807, and generally believed to have been the county's first newspaper...
, The Citizens' Voice, and the Lancaster New Era.
Journalist Dan Hirschhorn
Dan Hirschhorn
Dan Hirschhorn is a journalist working in Washington, D.C.. He is known for his web-based political reporting.He attended Brandeis University. While at Brandeis, Dan Hirschhorn was editor in chief of the Brandeis independent student newspaper the Justice. Following graduation, he worked as a...
worked as the Philadelphia-based correspondent for PolitickerPA. PolitickerPA was closed in January 2009, causing one journalist to exclaim "Damn. One less source to do our work for us." The Pittsburgh Tribune Review and the Lancaster Sunday News reported on local connections in PolitickerPA's "Power List 2008."
PolitickerPA is not to be confused with another Pennsylvania politics website, PoliticsPA
PoliticsPA
- Content :The website focuses on news aggregation, linking to major political news making headlines across the state. The editors write occasional features, like the weekly "Up & Down" scorecard and one-off lists like "Harrisburg's Smartest Staffer" and "Best Dressed Lobbyist" lists...
.