Townhall
American politically conservative mass media company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Townhall is an American conservative website, print magazine and radio news service. The website features more than 80 columns (both syndicated and exclusive) by a variety of writers and commentators.
Independent (2005–2006)
Salem Media Group (2006–present)
Political editor: Guy Benson
 | |
Type of site | Conservative news, analysis, opinion website, videos, podcasts and radio news service |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Owners | The Heritage Foundation (1995–2005) Independent (2005–2006) Salem Media Group (2006–present) |
| Editor | Editor: Larry O'Connor Political editor: Guy Benson |
| President | Jonathan Garthwaite, publisher |
| URL | townhall |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional, required to comment |
| Launched | March 2, 1995[1] |
| Current status | Online |
Townhall provides five minute radio newscasts around the clock, detailing national and world news items.[2] These newscasts air hourly on Salem-owned radio stations, Salem Radio Network affiliates, and on Sirius XM Patriot Channel 125.
Townhall Media, now a subsidiary of Salem Media Group, announced January 20, 2026 the appointment of radio personality Larry O’Connor as editor of Townhall.com.[3]
History
Townhall was founded on March 2, 1995, as one of the first conservative internet communities. In 2005, Townhall.com split off from The Heritage Foundation.
In May 2006, Salem Communications acquired Townhall.com and relaunched the site with the addition of podcasts of Salem's network and local talk shows, blogs run by Salem talk show hosts and the ability for any user to set up a blog on the Townhall.com network.[4][5] The website provides an extensive selection of opinion columns and news items presented from a conservative viewpoint.[6]
In January 2008, Townhall.com launched Townhall Magazine, a monthly conservative news magazine. In addition to exclusive content for the magazine, Townhall Magazine carries contributions from Townhall.com readers.[7]
Columnists
Townhall.com features commentary by various conservative columnists and guest commentary by politicians.[8] Radio personality Derek Hunter contributes as senior columnist.[9] Guest contributors have included Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Lara Trump.
Reception
In November 2021, a study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate described Townhall as being among "ten fringe publishers" that together were responsible for nearly 70 percent of Facebook user interactions with content that denied climate change. Facebook disputed the study's methodology.[10][11]