The Washington Times

The Washington Times is an American conservative daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C.. It focuses on general topics, especially national politics. The paper is printed in a traditional broadsheet style and is available in Washington, D.C., and nearby areas in Maryland and Northern Virginia. It also offers a weekly tabloid edition for readers across the country.

The first issue of The Washington Times came out on May 17, 1982. It was started by Sun Myung Moon, the leader of the Unification Church, and was owned by News World Communications, a media group he created, until 2010. Today, it is owned by Operations Holdings, which is connected to the Unification Church movement.

The Washington Times is well-known for its conservative views. It often supported policies of Republican presidents like Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. During the 1990s and 2000s, the paper sometimes criticized Democratic presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. It has also been involved in debates over historical views and has published articles that differ from what many scientists agree on regarding the environment and health.

History

The Washington Times was founded on May 17, 1982, by News World Communications, a media company based in New York City linked to the Unification Church. The company also owns United Press International and newspapers in Japan, South America, and South Korea.

Bo Hi Pak, a key member of the Unification Church, was the first president and chairman. The newspaper started with 125 reporters and was known for using full-color printing. It began one year after another Washington newspaper closed, taking some of its staff. Over the years, it has covered news with a focus on national politics and conservative views. It has faced financial challenges but continues to operate today.

Reactions

In the 1980s, reporters from The Washington Times visited Nelson Mandela while he was imprisoned. Mandela wrote about this in his book, Long Walk to Freedom. He described how the reporters focused on questions about communism and terrorism.

The Washington Times is known for its conservative views. Over the years, it has been praised for covering local stories that other big newspapers missed. It has also been an important source for people interested in politics. Many writers who started at the paper have gone on to work for other well-known news outlets.

Awards

The Washington Times has won many awards for its work. In 2013, it received two Sigma Delta Chi Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2014, a sports writer for the paper also won an award for his writing. In 2018, two reporters got special recognition for their work on reporting about the presidency. In 2019, the paper’s advertising team won awards for their special section designs. And in 2020, an artist for the paper won an award for his illustrations.

Controversies

General controversies

Some former employees have claimed that The Washington Times was always under strong influence from its owners. One employee left in 1984 when his contract wasn’t renewed. In 1988, another editor and his team resigned, saying that management had stopped them from criticizing a leader in South Korea.

In 1982, the newspaper refused to publish a negative movie review that was sponsored by a group linked to its owners.

In 1988, the newspaper published a story suggesting a U.S. presidential candidate had visited a health professional, but the full context showed this was unlikely.

A reporter left in 1991 after her article about a important court case was changed to suggest unfair ideas.

During a U.S. president’s time in office, the newspaper’s stories about certain events were often shared by others, increasing public discussion.

In 1997, a columnist wrongly said that a natural event in Russia was a test by Russia, which turned out to be an earthquake.

In 2002, the newspaper published a story claiming a teachers’ group taught children unfair ideas about the U.S., which the group denied.

In 2018, a comment piece promoted untrue ideas about a person’s death, leading to a legal action that the newspaper settled.

After a attack in the U.S. in 2021, the newspaper published a incorrect story about a group involved, which was later corrected after the group denied it.

The newspaper has published comments from writers linked to certain governments and viewpoints.

Science coverage

The Washington Times has often shared ideas that go against what most scientists believe about climate change. It has published stories questioning the science behind climate change and has given space to viewpoints that don’t agree with mainstream science.

The newspaper has also questioned science related to the earth’s ozone layer and the health effects of something in everyday items, sharing views that differ from expert agreement.

During a major health challenge, the newspaper shared stories that spread untrue ideas about the cause of the challenge and later about treatments and safety measures.

Allegations of unfair treatment

The Washington Times has faced claims of treating certain groups unfairly in its stories. Some writers and editors have shared strong views that have been seen as unkind to specific people or groups.

The newspaper has published stories and comments from individuals who have shared controversial and unkind ideas about different cultures and backgrounds.

During a U.S. presidential election, the newspaper shared stories with untrue claims about a candidate’s background and beliefs, which were later shown to be incorrect.

The newspaper has also been noted for sharing unkind and unfair views about a certain religion and its followers, including promoting untrue ideas and negative stereotypes.

Staff

The Washington Times has had many leaders and writers over the years. Some of the main editors include James R. Whelan, Smith Hempstone, Arnaud de Borchgrave, Wesley Pruden, John F. Solomon, and Christopher Dolan.

Many well-known people have written for the newspaper, such as Tony Snow, Charles Hurt, Stephen Moore, and Cal Thomas. Other writers and reporters have included David Brooks, Ben Carson, Monica Crowley, and Oliver North.

The paper also has editors for special areas like religion and arts and entertainment, such as Julia Duin and Daniel Wattenberg.