Gawkercom

Gawker.com was an American blog that operated as part of Gawker Media. Founded in 2003 by Nick Denton, it covered media, celebrity news, and popular culture with a blunt, often irreverent style. The site published daily posts that mixed reporting on media industry moves, leaks, and public-interest stories with commentary and snark. It played a central role in the rise of modern online media and helped shape how outlets cover celebrities, technology, and digital culture.

Gawker was part of a broader network of blogs under Gawker Media, including Gizmodo, Deadspin, Jezebel, Kotaku, and Lifehacker, among others. The brand helped popularize the model of highly opinionated, rapid-fire coverage that characterized much of early 2010s digital publishing, cultivating a large and engaged readership and influencing online journalism practices.

Throughout its existence, Gawker faced legal and ethical controversies related to privacy and the publication of sensitive material. In 2016, a high-profile lawsuit involving a sex-tape video resulted in substantial damages that contributed to financial pressures on the company. Gawker Media filed for bankruptcy, and its assets were sold to a new owner, leading to the shutdown or restructuring of Gawker.com and several sister sites.

Scholars and media observers often cite Gawker as a pivotal but polarizing force in online journalism. Supporters credit its reporting and media critique with shaping digital-era discourse; critics argue that its aggressive publishing practices raised concerns about privacy and responsibility. The site’s legacy remains a touchstone in discussions of press freedom, business models, and the ethics of online publishing.