WorldNetDaily (WND), a politically [[conservative]] news and opinion website, was founded in 1997 by Joseph Farah, who also serves as its editor-in-chief. The platform initially emerged as a division of the Western Journalism Center, later spinning off as a for-profit organization in 1999 with Farah owning a majority of the stock. Over the years, WND has been recognized for its distinctive approach to news, which often intertwines with its ideological leanings. WND's founding principles, as stated by Farah, were claimed to be focused on "seeking truth and justice and revitalizing the role of the free press as a guardian of liberty." However, the outlet is widely known for its [right-wing ideology](https://doctorparadox.net/tag/right-wing/) and has been a significant contributor to the spread of [conspiracy theories](https://doctorparadox.net/why-do-people-believe-conspiracy-theories/) and politically charged narratives. One of the most notable instances of this was its major role in propagating the "birther movement" — a conspiracy theory questioning the birthplace of former President [[Barack Obama]]. This [[birtherism]] theory, widely discredited, nevertheless gained substantial traction among certain segments of the American political landscape, thanks in part to the coverage and endorsement by WND. ## Conspiracy theory haven Throughout its history, WND has developed a reputation for being a haven for right-wing conspiracy theories. It has been described as an extreme-right online news company that has consistently disseminated baseless conspiracy theories, end-of-the-world predictions, and similar content. Such editorial choices have positioned WND as a controversial figure in the media landscape, especially among those who criticize its penchant for blending news with ideologically-driven opinion and conspiracy theories. The publication's approach to news and its editorial stance have led to it being categorized as a far-right fake news website known for promoting falsehoods and conspiracy theories. This characterization highlights the significant divergence between WND's self-image as a bastion of truth and liberty and the perception held by various media watchdogs and critics. WorldNetDaily, under the leadership of Joseph Farah, has established itself as a contentious and controversial platform in the online media landscape. Its commitment to a politically conservative viewpoint, coupled with its history of promoting conspiracy theories, has made it a polarizing voice in political discourse. Despite its proclaimed mission to uphold truth and justice, WND's editorial choices and the content it promotes have often been at odds with mainstream journalistic standards, leading to its categorization as a far-right and conspiracy-oriented media outlet.