Independent Journal Review was founded in 2012 by Alex Skatell, a former digital strategist for the Republican Governors Association. Skatell created IJR with the goal of providing news and political content that would appeal to younger, more digitally-savvy readers. The idea for IJR came from Skatell's observation that traditional media outlets were struggling to engage with millennial audiences on social media platforms. In 2019, IJR was acquired by McIntyre Partnerships, a private investment firm, which now owns and operates the website. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, IJR primarily focuses on political news, current events, and cultural topics. The website covers a wide range of issues including national and international politics, social trends, technology, and entertainment. While politics remains a central focus, IJR also features human interest stories, viral content, and lifestyle pieces aimed at engaging a broader audience. The site employs a mix of original reporting, aggregated content, and opinion pieces to provide its readers with a diverse range of perspectives on current events. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of IJR is its early adoption of “social-first“ news reporting. In its early days, the website gained significant attention for its ability to create viral content that spread rapidly on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. This approach helped IJR grow from a small startup to a major player in digital media within just a few years, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping modern news consumption habits.