| Type | Newsletter |
|---|---|
| Format | electronic |
| Owner(s) | Atlantic Media |
| Founder(s) | |
| Publisher | National Journal Group |
| Editor-in-chief | Kirk Bado |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | The Watergate Washington, D.C. |
| Sister newspapers | The National Journal |
| ISSN | 1946-3472 |
| OCLC number | 45191522 |
| Website | www |
The Hotline is a daily political briefing published by Atlantic Media from its headquarters at The Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1987, It is currently lead by editor-in-chief Kirk Bado and published independently until its acquisition in 1996 by National Journal Group, now a subsidiary of Atlantic Media. It is notable for being "the first aggregation of political news ever produced in the United States"[1] and for being a leader in converting political newsletters from mere aggregations to include detailed analysis.[2]
The Hotline is a bipartisan daily digest of the political events relating to upcoming statewide and national elections.[3] In addition to condensing newspaper, magazine and digital political coverage from the previous 24 hours,[4] it also includes analysis, both of specific races and broad trends.[2] In addition to mass media, it includes analysis of TV ads and polls.[3]
The Hotline's target audience includes Congressional staffers, political operatives and pundits.[4] The Hotline reporters also contribute to its companion publication the National Journal. It comes out with two daily editions, the "Wake-Up Call" with headlines, and the "Latest Edition" with additional text and analysis.[5]
The Hotline was founded in 1987 as The Presidential Campaign Hotline, with he first edition in November 1987.[2] It founded by Doug Bailey and Roger Craver[6] who hired Bob Balkin as its editor.[2]
Early issued were delivered by fax machine,[2] and now it's delivered via the Internet.[4]
Notable alumni include: Josh Kraushaar, Reid Wilson, Amy Walter,[5] Chuck Todd,[5] Stephen F. Hayes,[5] Jonathan Martin, Mike Memoli, Shira T. Center, Marc Ambinder, Craig Crawford, Norah O'Donnell, Ken Rudin, John Mercurio and Adam Wollner.
As editor, Bob Balkin helped turn The Hotline "into a must-read for anyone involved in politics and one that transcended the simple spreading of information to become an analytical and trusted voice among Washington insiders."[2]
"I've always thought of Hotline fondly," reflected former President Bill Clinton in a 25th-anniversary video. "The day before the first cattle-call of the 1992 campaign, you all called me 'a Little Rock in a big pile.' So you can see why I'm both surprised and delighted that you've lasted 25 years. I'm a little surprised I've lasted 25 years. And I sincerely hope that you and I last another 25 more."[7]