Is The Dispatch Conservative?
While The Dispatch’s editorial voice leans center-right, the outlet’s fact-based reporting style and analytical tone make it a favorite for self-directed, independent thinkers. The publication was founded by respected journalists Steve Hayes and Jonah Goldberg who felt that traditional conservatism was being undermined by the rise of populism and extremism and conservative media was being overtaken by grifters.
The Dispatch reflects more traditional, classical conservatism, advocating for limited government, free markets, individual rights, and a strong national defense. It also supports the idea of intellectual conservatism as a philosophy that is rooted in reason, principles, and the integrity of long-standing institutions. Preserving journalistic integrity is a priority at The Dispatch. Media bias has pervaded outlets on the left and right, leading longstanding publications to compromise on the facts.
While not strictly anti-Trump, The Dispatch’s editorial philosophy seeks to preserve the principles of conservative thought as opposed to the nationalist populist elements that Trump represents.
All of The Dispatch’s work—both its intellectually conservative opinion writing and its straight reporting—is intellectually rigorous and fact-based. Writers seek to engage in nuanced discussions of policy and politics, aiming to offer readers a place to move beyond partisan parlor tricks and explore issues and ideas that go deeper than inflamed ideologies.
Allsides Media Bias Chart rates The Dispatch as “leans right,” and rates The Dispatch’s fact-checking apparatus as “center.”
Ultimately, The Dispatch seeks to inform readers and provide them with the facts while returning to the intellectual and principled roots of conservatism, positioning itself as an alternative for those conservatives who feel alienated by the current direction of the populist Republican establishment.
The Dispatch vs The Bulwark vs The Free Press
The Dispatch is often compared with contemporary publications including The Bulwark and The Free Press. While all three are new digital media ventures, there are distinct differences in their missions, audiences, and editorial voices.
The Dispatch tends to adopt a more measured, intellectual tone, often providing in-depth analysis of issues without being overtly confrontational. The site takes pride in its rational, evidence-based approach to news and analysis, and it often offers multiple viewpoints on complex issues, including critiques of both conservative and liberal policies. Its editorial voice is more subdued and less polemical than both The Bulwark and The Free Press.
While often critical of Trump and populism, The Dispatch aims to provide conservative viewpoints that remain grounded in traditional principles and is not considered a “Never Trump” publication. It offers a platform for those conservatives who feel that the GOP has lost its way but does not necessarily advocate for tearing down the party entirely.
Is The Dispatch Worth It?
News consumers have no shortage of options to choose from when shopping for subscription media—but The Dispatch provides access to eight regular newsletters, three podcasts, newsmaking live events, and a community of engaged, independent thinkers.
The Dispatch counts more than 40,000 paid subscribers among its members—including former presidents, congressional leaders, journalists, judges and lawyers, Fortune 500 CEOs, local business owners, and everyday Americans looking for deeper understanding of the world around them.
Most Substack subscriptions—another popular digital media service—cost between $5 and $15 a month for a single newsletter. A Dispatch membership costs $10 per month or $100 per year, and includes more than 10 newsletters, three main podcasts plus a members-only bonus feed, and unlimited access to articles published on The Dispatch’s website.
Dispatch members find value in their membership due to a variety of factors.
- Integrity Comes First: The Dispatch is committed to fact-based journalism and rigorous analysis that respects the intelligence of its audience. This is the go-to source for the silent majority of self-directed thinkers.
- Transparency Engenders Trust: The Dispatch doesn’t shy away from its roots—it acknowledges its right-leaning editorial perspective, earning trust by being open about how a center-right worldview informs its editorial stance.
- Rich Thinking Includes Diverse Perspectives: Members embrace the wide range of voices published at The Dispatch that address the critical need for civilized debate and intellectual nuance in today’s highly charged, often binary political environment.
- Complexity Explored with Consistency: The Dispatch runs toward—not away from—exploring the complexities of today’s politics and society, while maintaining a consistent editorial voice. Readers trust The Dispatch to get the story right, no matter how big or how small.
- Conservatism Rooted in Reason: Members appreciate that Dispatch writers and podcast hosts stand on a conservative foundation based on what’s practical without regard for what’s trendy or politically expedient.
A Dispatch membership is right for you if
- You’re an intellectually curious or principled conservative consumer of journalism who appreciates rigor in reporting and thoughtful commentary.
- You want to stay informed on current events, policy analysis, and political commentary without having to sort facts from partisan spin.
- You’re looking for a news source that strives to maintain journalistic integrity and avoid sensationalism or populist rhetoric.
- You enjoy podcasts and multimedia content that explores contemporary political and cultural issues
How Much Does a Dispatch Subscription Cost?
A Dispatch annual membership costs $100, and includes unlimited access to published newsletters, articles, and podcasts, as access to members-only podcasts and events. A Premium membership costs $300 and includes three annual subscriptions, ad-free podcast listening, priority tickets to events, and two virtual ask-me-anything style townhalls with Dispatch founders and editors.
The Dispatch also offers discounted memberships for students, clergy, and members of the military. To inquire about a discounted membership, please contact members@thedispatch.com
- Smith, B. (2021, November 21). Jonah Goldberg and Steve Hayes quit Fox after Tucker Carlson’s new show. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/21/business/jonah-goldberg-steve-hayes-quit-fox-tucker-carlson.html
- Weigel, D. (2024, December 5). What the slim House Republican majority means for Trump’s agenda. Semafor. https://www.semafor.com/article/12/04/2024/what-the-slim-house-republican-majority-means-for-trumps-agenda
