Gawker
Gawker, founded in 2003 by Nick Denton, was a digital trailblazer known for its brash, irreverent style and relentless pursuit of juicy gossip and scandal. As a pioneer in the realm of snarky, often sensational journalism, Gawker became synonymous with the rise of blog-driven media and the blurring lines between news and entertainment. Its sharp-edged commentary and penchant for controversy made it a fixture in the media landscape, valued at various points in the tens of millions. Despite its influence and the fervent following it amassed, Gawker faced numerous legal battles and financial challenges, culminating in its bankruptcy and closure in 2016. Though no longer operational, Gawker's legacy lives on as a defining example of early 21st-century tabloid-style digital journalism.