Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Politico Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Politico: Evolution, Operations, and Contemporary Challenges in Digital Journalism

Cheat Sheet:
Politico: Evolution, Operations, and Contemporary Challenges in Digital Journalism Study Guide

Founding and Early Development (2007-2010)

Politico was originally founded by Robert Allbritton in 2007 as an American political digital newspaper company, initially known as The Politico.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that Politico, initially named The Politico, was founded by Robert Allbritton on January 23, 2007, as an American political digital newspaper company.

Return to Game

Politico's ideological stance is characterized as exclusively conservative on American politics and isolationist on international politics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico's ideological stance is described as centrist on American politics and Atlanticist on international politics, not exclusively conservative or isolationist.

Return to Game

John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei, both from The Washington Post, were instrumental in launching Politico as editor-in-chief and executive editor, respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei left The Washington Post to become Politico's editor-in-chief and executive editor, playing crucial roles in its launch.

Return to Game

Politico's first hire was Frederick J. Ryan Jr., who also served as its first president and chief executive officer.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico's first hire was Mike Allen, while Frederick J. Ryan Jr. served as its first president and chief executive officer.

Return to Game

In its early days, Politico encouraged journalists to carry video cameras and promote their work on other platforms, leading to a dynamic reporting style.

Answer: True

Explanation: In its early days, Politico encouraged journalists to carry video cameras and promote their work on other platforms, fostering a dynamic and visible reporting style.

Return to Game

By 2008, Politico's website received over ten million unique visits per month, indicating rapid growth.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 2008, Politico's website received more than three million unique visits per month, not over ten million.

Return to Game

Who founded Politico and on what date was it originally established?

Answer: Robert Allbritton, January 23, 2007

Explanation: Politico was founded by Robert Allbritton on January 23, 2007, as stated in the source material.

Return to Game

What was Politico's ideological stance described as regarding American politics?

Answer: Centrist

Explanation: Politico's coverage has been described as centrist on American politics, aiming for a balanced perspective.

Return to Game

What was the initial journalistic philosophy behind Politico's founding in 2007?

Answer: To focus on politics with fast-paced Internet reporting in granular detail

Explanation: Politico's initial journalistic philosophy in 2007 was to provide fast-paced Internet reporting on politics with granular detail.

Return to Game

Who were Politico's first hire and its first president and chief executive officer, respectively?

Answer: Mike Allen and Frederick J. Ryan Jr.

Explanation: Politico's first hire was Mike Allen, and Frederick J. Ryan Jr. served as its first president and chief executive officer.

Return to Game

By 2008, how many unique visits per month did Politico's website receive?

Answer: More than three million

Explanation: By 2008, Politico's website received more than three million unique visits per month.

Return to Game

Growth, Evolution, and Leadership Transitions (2011-2021)

Politico shortened its name from 'The Politico' to 'Politico' in 2011, the same year it began emphasizing long-form journalism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico shortened its name in 2009, not 2011, although it did begin emphasizing long-form journalism in 2011.

Return to Game

Under Jim VandeHei's leadership as CEO, Politico's revenues expanded by 25% in 2014.

Answer: True

Explanation: Under Jim VandeHei's leadership as CEO, the company's revenues expanded by 25% in 2014.

Return to Game

Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen departed from Politico earlier than planned due to tensions related to VandeHei's desire to sell the company and Robert Allbritton's loss of faith in his leadership.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen departed earlier than planned due to tensions, including VandeHei's push to sell the company and Robert Allbritton's loss of faith in his leadership.

Return to Game

Patrick Steel served as Politico's CEO for five years, from 2017 to 2022.

Answer: False

Explanation: Patrick Steel served as Politico's CEO for four years, from 2017 until early 2021, not five years until 2022.

Return to Game

When did 'The Politico' shorten its name to 'Politico'?

Answer: 2009

Explanation: The publication shortened its name from The Politico to simply Politico in 2009.

Return to Game

Who was hired in June 2013 to enhance Politico's opinion and long-form content?

Answer: Susan Glasser

Explanation: Susan Glasser was hired in June 2013 to oversee 'opinion from prominent outside voices' and 'long-form storytelling' for Politico.

Return to Game

What was Politico's approximate global employee count by 2016?

Answer: Nearly 500 individuals

Explanation: By 2016, Politico had grown to employ nearly 500 individuals worldwide.

Return to Game

What was a key reason for the early departure of Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen from Politico?

Answer: Tensions arose from VandeHei pushing Robert Allbritton to sell the company.

Explanation: Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen departed early due to tensions, including VandeHei's efforts to sell the company and Robert Allbritton's subsequent loss of faith in his leadership.

Return to Game

Who served as Politico's CEO between 2017 and 2021?

Answer: Patrick Steel

Explanation: Investment banker Patrick Steel held the position of CEO at Politico from 2017 until his departure in early 2021.

Return to Game

What was Politico's average monthly unique visitor count for its American website as of 2017?

Answer: 26 million

Explanation: As of 2017, Politico reported an average of 26 million unique visitors per month to its American website.

Return to Game

Which of the following news outlets was founded by former Politico employees?

Answer: Axios

Explanation: Axios is one of the news outlets founded by former employees of Politico.

Return to Game

Axel Springer Acquisition and Global Expansion

Axel Springer SE acquired Politico in 2021 for a reported amount exceeding US$1 billion, making it Europe's largest newspaper publisher.

Answer: True

Explanation: Axel Springer SE acquired Politico in 2021 for over US$1 billion and is recognized as Europe's largest newspaper publisher.

Return to Game

Politico employees are required to sign Axel Springer's mission statement supporting Israel and the transatlantic alliance, similar to its German newspaper employees.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico employees are not required to sign Axel Springer's mission statement, which expresses support for Israel and the transatlantic alliance, unlike employees of its German newspapers.

Return to Game

Goli Sheikholeslami, previously CEO of WNYC public radio, was appointed CEO of Politico and Politico Europe by Axel Springer in January 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: Goli Sheikholeslami, former CEO of WNYC public radio, was appointed CEO of Politico and Politico Europe by Axel Springer in January 2022.

Return to Game

Politico initiated its global expansion into Europe in September 2014 by acquiring European Voice and Development Institute International.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico initiated its European expansion in September 2014 by forming a joint venture with Axel Springer SE. The acquisitions of European Voice and Development Institute International occurred later, in December 2014.

Return to Game

Politico Europe's print edition first appeared in early 2016 and was immediately considered more influential than The Financial Times by Brussels 'influencers.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico Europe's print edition first appeared on April 23, 2015, not early 2016. While widely read, it was considered less influential than The Financial Times by Brussels 'influencers' in early 2016.

Return to Game

Stephen Brown, editor-in-chief of Politico Europe, tragically died of a heart attack in March 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: Stephen Brown, editor-in-chief of Politico Europe, died suddenly of a heart attack on March 18, 2021.

Return to Game

John Harris is the current editor-in-chief of Politico, while Goli Sheikholeslami serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of the provided information, Goli Sheikholeslami is the Chief Executive Officer and John Harris is the editor-in-chief of Politico.

Return to Game

In what year was Politico acquired by Axel Springer SE, and for approximately what amount?

Answer: 2021, exceeding US$1 billion

Explanation: Politico was acquired by Axel Springer SE in 2021 for a reported amount exceeding US$1 billion.

Return to Game

What is Axel Springer SE's position in the European publishing market, and what other media company does it own?

Answer: Europe's largest newspaper publisher, owns Business Insider

Explanation: Axel Springer SE is Europe's largest newspaper publisher and also owns Business Insider.

Return to Game

How did Politico initiate its global expansion into Europe in September 2014?

Answer: By forming a joint venture with German publisher Axel Springer SE

Explanation: Politico initiated its global expansion into Europe in September 2014 by forming a joint venture with German publisher Axel Springer SE.

Return to Game

When did the print edition of Politico Europe first appear?

Answer: April 23, 2015

Explanation: Politico Europe made its debut in print on April 23, 2015.

Return to Game

What tragic event occurred during Stephen Brown's tenure as editor-in-chief of Politico Europe?

Answer: He died suddenly of a heart attack.

Explanation: Stephen Brown, editor-in-chief of Politico Europe, died suddenly of a heart attack on March 18, 2021.

Return to Game

Who are the current Chief Executive Officer and editor-in-chief of Politico, respectively?

Answer: Goli Sheikholeslami and John Harris

Explanation: As of the provided information, Goli Sheikholeslami is the Chief Executive Officer and John Harris is the editor-in-chief of Politico.

Return to Game

Key Products and Business Ventures

Politico Playbook, a daily early-morning email newsletter, was launched by Mike Allen in 2007 and had an estimated daily readership of over 100,000 by 2016.

Answer: True

Explanation: Politico Playbook was launched by Mike Allen on June 25, 2007, and by 2016, it had an estimated daily readership exceeding 100,000.

Return to Game

Politico Pro, a paid subscription news service, was launched in 2010 and offers specialized coverage across approximately a dozen topics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Politico Pro, a paid subscription news service offering specialized coverage, was launched in 2010.

Return to Game

The U.S. federal government spent approximately $8 million on Politico Pro and other Politico services in fiscal year 2023.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. federal government spent approximately $8 million on Politico Pro and other Politico services in fiscal year 2024, not 2023.

Return to Game

Protocol, a tech news website launched by Robert Allbritton in 2020, ceased operations at the end of 2022 due to a shift in Politico's overall strategic focus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Protocol, a tech news website launched by Robert Allbritton in 2020, ceased operations at the end of 2022 after struggling to meet its revenue goals, not due to a shift in Politico's strategic focus.

Return to Game

Politico expanded its state-level political coverage by acquiring Capital New York in September 2013, which already covered Florida and New Jersey politics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Politico expanded its state-level political coverage by acquiring Capital New York in September 2013, which already covered Florida and New Jersey politics.

Return to Game

Politico acquired E&E News in December 2020 to expand its coverage of international affairs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico acquired E&E News in December 2020 to expand its coverage within the energy and environmental sectors, not international affairs.

Return to Game

The image of a Politico vending box on K Street in Washington D.C. signifies the publication's exclusive reliance on digital distribution.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image of a Politico vending box on K Street signifies the publication's physical print presence and distribution in key political areas, not an exclusive reliance on digital distribution.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT a primary geographical or thematic area covered by Politico?

Answer: South American economic policy

Explanation: Politico's coverage focuses on politics and policy in the U.S. and internationally (e.g., EU, UK, Canada), with thematic areas including the federal government, lobbying, and media. South American economic policy is not listed as a primary area.

Return to Game

Who launched Politico Playbook and when?

Answer: Mike Allen, June 25, 2007

Explanation: Politico Playbook was launched by Mike Allen on June 25, 2007.

Return to Game

By 2016, what was the estimated daily readership of Politico Playbook?

Answer: Over 100,000 people

Explanation: By 2016, Politico Playbook had an estimated daily readership of over 100,000 people.

Return to Game

What was the cost of a weekly sponsorship for Politico Playbook in 2017?

Answer: $50,000 - $60,000

Explanation: In 2017, a weekly sponsorship for Politico Playbook was priced between $50,000 and $60,000.

Return to Game

When was Politico Pro, the paid subscription news service, launched?

Answer: 2010

Explanation: Politico Pro, a paid subscription news service, was launched in 2010.

Return to Game

What was Protocol, and what was the primary reason for its closure?

Answer: A tech news website that closed after struggling to meet its revenue goals.

Explanation: Protocol was a tech news website launched by Robert Allbritton that ceased operations at the end of 2022 after struggling to meet its revenue goals.

Return to Game

How did Politico initially expand its coverage of state-level politics?

Answer: By acquiring the online news site Capital New York.

Explanation: Politico initially expanded its state-level political coverage by acquiring the online news site Capital New York in September 2013.

Return to Game

What was the strategic reason behind Politico's acquisition of E&E News in December 2020?

Answer: To expand its coverage within the energy and environmental sectors.

Explanation: Politico acquired E&E News in December 2020 to strategically expand its coverage within the energy and environmental sectors.

Return to Game

What does the image of a Politico vending box on K Street in Washington D.C. signify?

Answer: The publication's physical print presence and distribution in key political areas.

Explanation: The image of a Politico vending box on K Street signifies the publication's physical print presence and distribution in key political and business areas.

Return to Game

Impactful Journalism and Public Service

Politico's investigative journalism, particularly under Susan Glasser and Carrie Budoff Brown, led to multiple resignations of public officials.

Answer: True

Explanation: Under the leadership of editors Susan Glasser and Carrie Budoff Brown, Politico's expanded investigative journalism led to multiple resignations of public officials.

Return to Game

Representative Aaron Schock resigned in 2015 following a Politico investigation into his travel expenses.

Answer: True

Explanation: Representative Aaron Schock resigned in 2015 following a Politico investigation by reporters Sherman and Palmer that uncovered a scandal.

Return to Game

Andy Puzder withdrew his nomination for Labor Secretary after a 2017 Politico story revealed accusations of spousal abuse by his ex-wife.

Answer: True

Explanation: Andy Puzder withdrew his nomination for Labor Secretary after a 2017 Politico story by Marianne Levine revealed accusations of spousal abuse by his ex-wife.

Return to Game

Politico's February 2022 report detailing Eric Lander's 'demeaning' conduct towards colleagues resulted in his resignation as President Joe Biden's science adviser.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alex Thompson's February 2022 report in Politico, detailing Eric Lander's 'demeaning' conduct, led to Lander's resignation as President Joe Biden's science adviser.

Return to Game

On May 2, 2022, Politico reported on a leaked Supreme Court draft document indicating the court was prepared to uphold Roe v. Wade.

Answer: False

Explanation: On May 2, 2022, Politico reported on a leaked Supreme Court draft document indicating the court was prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade, not uphold it.

Return to Game

The Supreme Court leak story became the most-trafficked in Politico's history, accumulating 11 million views by May 6, and significantly boosting its Twitter impressions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Supreme Court leak story became the most-trafficked in Politico's history, reaching 11 million views by May 6 and significantly boosting its Twitter impressions.

Return to Game

Politico won a Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for its investigative reporting on political interference in the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico won a Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for editorial cartoons by Matt Wuerker, not for investigative reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic response (though it did win a George Polk Award for that in 2020).

Return to Game

Which U.S. Representative resigned in 2015 following a scandal uncovered by Politico reporters Sherman and Palmer?

Answer: Aaron Schock

Explanation: Representative Aaron Schock resigned in 2015 following a scandal uncovered by Politico reporters Sherman and Palmer.

Return to Game

What Politico report led to Andy Puzder withdrawing his nomination for Labor Secretary in 2017?

Answer: A story revealing accusations of spousal abuse by his ex-wife.

Explanation: Reporter Marianne Levine's 2017 story in Politico, revealing accusations of spousal abuse by Andy Puzder's ex-wife, led to his withdrawal as Labor Secretary nominee.

Return to Game

What significant event did Politico report on May 2, 2022, regarding the Supreme Court?

Answer: A draft document indicating the Supreme Court was prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Explanation: On May 2, 2022, Politico reported on a leaked Supreme Court draft document indicating the court was prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Return to Game

For what achievement did Politico win a Pulitzer Prize in 2012?

Answer: Editorial cartoons created by Matt Wuerker.

Explanation: Politico won a Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for the editorial cartoons created by Matt Wuerker.

Return to Game

Controversies, Ethics, and Editorial Challenges

Politico editor Michael Hirsh resigned in November 2016 after publishing the home address of white supremacist Richard B. Spencer on Facebook.

Answer: True

Explanation: Politico editor Michael Hirsh resigned in November 2016 after publishing the home address of white supremacist Richard B. Spencer on Facebook.

Return to Game

In January 2022, Politico Playbook correctly reported that Justice Sonia Sotomayor had been seen dining with leading Republicans.

Answer: False

Explanation: In January 2022, Politico Playbook erroneously reported that Justice Sonia Sotomayor had been seen dining with leading Democrats, not Republicans, and later issued a correction.

Return to Game

Politico faced accusations of antisemitism in March 2019 for an article depicting Bernie Sanders with money trees and a tweet implying he was 'rich' and 'cheap.'

Answer: True

Explanation: Politico faced accusations of antisemitism in March 2019 for an article and tweet concerning Bernie Sanders, which critics argued used antisemitic tropes.

Return to Game

During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Cambridge Analytica used Politico's platform for native advertising to target pro-Trump and anti-Hillary Clinton voters.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Cambridge Analytica utilized Politico's platform for native advertising and sponsored content to target specific voter demographics.

Return to Game

Politico's climate change journalists have expressed concerns that the publication of fossil fuel advertising, without clear distinction from journalism, could reduce their reporting's credibility.

Answer: True

Explanation: Politico's climate change journalists have voiced concerns that the publication of fossil fuel advertising, without clear separation from editorial content, could undermine the credibility of their reporting.

Return to Game

What controversy led to the resignation of Politico editor Michael Hirsh in November 2016?

Answer: He published the home address of a white supremacist on Facebook.

Explanation: Politico editor Michael Hirsh resigned in November 2016 after publishing the home address of white supremacist Richard B. Spencer on Facebook.

Return to Game

In January 2022, Politico Playbook erroneously reported that Justice Sonia Sotomayor had been seen dining with whom?

Answer: Leading Democrats

Explanation: In January 2022, Politico Playbook erroneously reported that Justice Sonia Sotomayor had been seen dining with leading Democrats.

Return to Game

What accusations did Politico face in March 2019 concerning Bernie Sanders?

Answer: Antisemitism, due to imagery of money trees and a tweet implying he was 'rich' and 'cheap'.

Explanation: In March 2019, Politico faced accusations of antisemitism for an article and tweet that critics argued used antisemitic tropes concerning Bernie Sanders.

Return to Game

How did Cambridge Analytica utilize Politico during the 2016 U.S. presidential election?

Answer: They used native advertising and sponsored content to target voters.

Explanation: During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Cambridge Analytica used native advertising and sponsored content on Politico's platform to target voters.

Return to Game

What concerns have Politico's climate change journalists expressed regarding fossil fuel advertising?

Answer: That it could reduce the credibility of their reporting and misinform readers.

Explanation: Politico's climate change journalists have expressed concerns that fossil fuel advertising, without clear distinction from journalism, could reduce the credibility of their reporting and potentially misinform readers.

Return to Game

Technological Integration and Future Directions (AI)

In 2024, Politico published AI-generated news summaries that were found to contain fabricated quotes and misspelled names, violating editorial standards.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2024, Politico published AI-generated news summaries that contained fabricated quotes, misspelled names, and violated editorial standards, according to Wired magazine.

Return to Game

Politico announced a partnership with Capital AI in September 2024 to develop an AI tool for its Politico Pro subscribers to generate original news articles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico announced a partnership with Capital AI in September 2024 to develop an AI tool to summarize its journalism for Politico Pro subscribers, not to generate original news articles.

Return to Game

Politico's Policy Intelligence Assistant, unveiled in March 2025, is a suite of AI tools for all readers, integrating generative AI with policy expertise.

Answer: False

Explanation: Politico's Policy Intelligence Assistant, unveiled in March 2025, is a suite of AI tools for paying subscribers, not all readers.

Return to Game

A union representing Politico journalists took the company to arbitration in July 2025, alleging that the rollout of AI tools violated their contract's notice period for changes affecting duties.

Answer: True

Explanation: A union representing Politico journalists initiated arbitration in July 2025, claiming the rollout of AI tools violated their contract's notice period for changes affecting duties.

Return to Game

What issues were identified with Politico's use of AI-generated news summaries in 2024?

Answer: They contained fabricated quotes and misspelled names.

Explanation: In 2024, Politico's AI-generated news summaries were found to contain fabricated quotes and misspelled names, violating editorial standards.

Return to Game

What was the purpose of the AI partnership Politico announced with Capital AI in September 2024?

Answer: To develop an AI tool to summarize its journalism for Politico Pro subscribers.

Explanation: The AI partnership with Capital AI, announced in September 2024, aimed to develop a tool to summarize Politico's journalism for Politico Pro subscribers.

Return to Game