| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Kenneth Bryan Dawson |
| Subscribers: | 2.99K |
| Views: | 140,658 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $141 - $703 |
| Videos: | 103 |
| Channel Created: | October 2024 |
Overview
Bryan Dawson is an American media executive and founder of Alabama’s 1819 News, known for his personal transformation from a past that included a criminal record and prison time to leading a prominent conservative news outlet focused on Alabama.
Latest News (Nov 26, 2025): The 1819 News: The Podcast recently uploaded a new episode titled "Tucker Carlson and The Civil War Inside the Conservative Movement" one day ago, featuring 1819 News CEO Bryan Dawson in conversation with Tucker Carlson, which has garnered 6.9K views. Additionally, Rick Burgess announced his return to "The Rick Burgess Show" via a video on X on November 25, 2025, following a brief absence due to family matters.
From Prison Blues to Headlines: The Unlikely Saga of Bryan Dawson and 1819 News
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, the story of Bryan Dawson and his Alabama-based news outlet, 1819 News, stands out as a testament to personal transformation and the potent influence of state-focused journalism. Dawson, a man whose past is as tumultuous as the headlines his publication often generates, has steered 1819 News from its inception as a podcast to a significant voice in Alabama's conservative media sphere.
The Genesis of a News Voice
The journey of 1819 News began not in a newsroom, but from a desire to shift the focus of news coverage to the state level following the 2020 presidential election. Bryan Dawson, the President and CEO of the outlet, saw a need for a media company dedicated to covering Alabama with a conservative perspective. The name "1819 News" itself is a nod to the year Alabama was admitted to the Union, signaling its deep focus on the state.
The outlet officially launched in October 2021 as a subsidiary of the Alabama Policy Institute (API), a conservative think tank. Initially, 1819 News started as a podcast, the "1819 News Recap," in 2020 before expanding into a full-fledged news website. The initial funding from API, exceeding $1 million in 2021, was instrumental in its establishment.
Dawson's personal history is a stark contrast to the typical media executive. He has openly spoken about his past, which includes a criminal record and facing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. His transformation into a Christian CEO is a narrative he has shared publicly, framing his journey as one of redemption. This backstory adds a unique and often polarizing layer to the public perception of both Dawson and 1819 News.
Crafting a Narrative for Alabama
From its origins as a podcast, 1819 News has evolved into a multimedia company that publishes Alabama-focused news, sports coverage, opinion pieces, and various podcasts. The content is overtly conservative, with a stated mission to "hold leaders and politicians accountable while also celebrating the positive things Alabama has to offer."
The outlet's content often focuses on what it terms "woke creep" and has not shied away from controversial topics. For instance, a series of articles criticized Samford University for its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Their reporting has also delved into the financial dealings of political figures. This approach has garnered praise from national conservative figures like Steve Bannon, who called it a "fantastic site."
Fostering a Like-Minded Community
1819 News actively cultivates a relationship with its audience, positioning itself as a news source for "people with Alabama values." They aim to arm their readers with information they believe is necessary for Alabama to be a "free, virtuous, and flourishing society." This is achieved through their daily newsletters, "The Daily Detail" and "The Daily Newsletter," which deliver their top stories directly to subscribers.
The organization also encourages financial support from its readers, framing it as a way to maintain its independence from corporate or government advertising contracts. While specific subscriber numbers are not publicly available, the outlet's consistent output and engagement on its platforms suggest a dedicated following.
Milestones and Public Profile
Since its launch, 1819 News has experienced rapid growth and has had a tangible impact on state policy through its investigative reporting. In January 2023, 1819 News announced its formal independence from the Alabama Policy Institute, a move that Dawson stated was always part of the long-term plan to establish a "genuinely independent news organization."
A significant milestone for the organization has been the hosting of the Albert Patterson Gala, an event that has honored figures such as U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and author Eric Metaxas. However, the outlet has also faced challenges, including a suspension of its podcast from YouTube in February 2023 for violating community guidelines, which 1819 News characterized as "Big Tech censorship."
A Contentious but Undeniable Influence
The impact of 1819 News on the broader culture and YouTube community in Alabama is undeniable, though often contentious. The publication gained national attention and significant criticism for its reporting on the private life of a local mayor, which was followed by his suicide. This incident sparked a debate about the ethical responsibilities of journalism and the line between public interest and privacy.
The outlet's reporting has been described by some as "vicious" and "shameful," particularly in its coverage of individuals who do not align with its conservative Christian values. Despite, or perhaps because of, this controversial reputation, 1819 News has solidified its position as an influential voice in Alabama's conservative landscape.
The Path Forward
Looking to the future, 1819 News appears poised for continued growth and influence. The recent hiring of a new development director suggests a focus on expanding its reach and resources. Dawson has expressed his confidence that the "best is yet to come" for the organization. As an independent, reader-supported non-profit, its trajectory will likely continue to be guided by its mission to provide news and commentary from a conservative viewpoint, ensuring its role as a prominent and polarizing force in Alabama's media ecosystem.
— 1819 News (@1819News) February 7, 2025