What Happened to News and Guts? A Deep Dive into Dan Rather’s Multimedia Venture

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Introduction: The Rise of News and Guts

News and Guts was launched in 2017 by veteran journalist Dan Rather as a response to the shifting landscape of American journalism and the growing concerns about misinformation and “fake news” [1] . Its mission was clear: to promote integrity, real journalism, and a “play no favourites, pull no punches” brand of reporting [2] . The company operated as an independent media outlet, housing a team of experienced journalists and storytellers focused on nonfiction, investigative reporting, and commentary [1] .

Editorial Vision and Impact

News and Guts quickly became known for its commitment to factual reporting and left-center editorial bias. It regularly aggregated stories from reputable sources like Bloomberg, CNN, and The Daily Beast, while also publishing original commentary from Dan Rather and his staff [1] . The platform aimed to combat the proliferation of “alternative facts” and propaganda by emphasizing truth and transparency in a turbulent political climate [2] .

Its Facebook page, which grew to over a million followers, fostered a large, engaged community. On average, News and Guts posts received more interaction than major outlets like BuzzFeed, USA Today, or CNN, illustrating its resonance with audiences seeking reliable information [5] .

Funding, Ownership, and Operations

While Dan Rather maintained editorial control, primary seed funding was provided by billionaire Mark Cuban. Advertising revenue supplemented its operating costs. Notably, News and Guts did not openly disclose its ownership structure, which led some media analysts to call for greater transparency [1] . Despite these concerns, the platform was rated highly credible and mostly factual by independent reviewers [1] .

The company maintained offices in New York, San Francisco, and Austin, Texas, and produced a range of content spanning news, science, technology, history, music, arts, sports, and social justice [3] .

What Happened: Discontinuation of New Content

News and Guts ceased publishing new content in May 2022 . However, the website and its archive remain online for public access [1] . This decision was not accompanied by a public statement detailing reasons, but it is common for independent media ventures to face sustainability challenges in a rapidly changing industry. The company’s social media presence, particularly on Facebook, remains accessible, though not actively updated [3] .

Accessing News and Guts Archives

If you wish to explore News and Guts’ legacy content, you can visit the official website, which is still online and contains articles, commentaries, and multimedia features. For updates or archival material, follow these steps:

Navigate to the official News and Guts website (search “News and Guts official site” in your preferred search engine).
Browse the archive for articles and video content. The site is structured to allow access to both original reporting and aggregated stories.
For social media content, search for “News and Guts Facebook page”. The page remains active for viewing past posts and community discussions.

Note: As the site is no longer updated, some information may not reflect the latest news developments. For current events, consider following Dan Rather’s personal social media accounts or other reputable news outlets.

Engaging with the Community

While News and Guts itself has paused operations, the community built around it is still active on social media. If you wish to engage:

Join discussions on the News and Guts Facebook page, where users share articles and commentary.
Follow Dan Rather’s verified social media profiles for ongoing updates and perspectives on journalism and current affairs.
Participate in forums and groups dedicated to media integrity and truth in reporting, which often reference News and Guts’ work.

Alternative Pathways for Reliable News

With News and Guts no longer publishing new content, readers seeking trustworthy, independent journalism can consider these alternatives:

Follow reputable left-center outlets such as NPR, Reuters, and The Associated Press for factual reporting.
Engage with media watchdogs like Media Bias/Fact Check and Ad Fontes Media, which provide bias and reliability ratings for news sources [1] , [3] .
Access investigative journalism platforms such as ProPublica and the Center for Public Integrity (search for their official websites).

For those interested in Dan Rather’s ongoing work, his personal social media channels remain active and provide commentary on current events and media integrity. You can search for “Dan Rather official Twitter” or “Dan Rather verified Facebook” for direct access.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

News and Guts’ journey highlights several challenges faced by independent news organizations:

Financial sustainability : Even with high-profile backers, maintaining funding and revenue streams is a persistent challenge.
Audience growth and retention : Building and keeping a large, engaged audience requires continuous innovation and adaptation.
Editorial independence : Balancing funding sources with journalistic integrity is crucial for credibility.
Transparency : Open disclosure of ownership and funding fosters trust, a lesson for future ventures.

For aspiring media entrepreneurs, studying News and Guts’ model offers practical insights into both the opportunities and pitfalls of digital journalism.

Summary and Key Takeaways

News and Guts was a pioneering digital media company founded by Dan Rather to champion truth and integrity in journalism. After five years of impactful reporting and community engagement, it stopped publishing new content in May 2022. The website and social media archives remain accessible, providing a valuable resource for those seeking high-quality nonfiction reporting and commentary.

To access News and Guts content, visit the official website or Facebook page. For current perspectives, follow Dan Rather’s verified social media accounts. If you’re seeking alternative credible news sources, consult media watchdogs and reputable news outlets. Finally, the story of News and Guts underscores the importance of transparency, editorial independence, and community engagement in modern journalism.