Fact check: Who owns and funds Snopes fact-checking website?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Snopes is owned by Chris Richmond and Drew Schoentrup, though there are conflicting details about their exact ownership percentages. One source indicates they each own 50% of the company ^[1], while another states that Chris Richmond owns 60% and Drew Schoentrup owns 40% of Snopes Media Group, Inc. (SMG), which operates Snopes through its wholly-owned subsidiary Snopes, Inc ^[2].

Regarding funding, Snopes operates as a financially independent organization that is not beholden to angel investors, venture capitalists, or other major funders ^[3]. The website generates revenue through multiple streams: programmatic digital advertising sales, paid memberships, direct contributions, and merchandise sales ^{[1] [3]}. This diversified funding model allows the organization to maintain editorial independence from external financial pressures.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal important context about Snopes' commitment to transparency and independence that wasn't addressed in the original question. The organization emphasizes its 100% financial independence ^[3], which distinguishes it from fact-checking operations that might be funded by partisan organizations, wealthy donors, or corporations with specific agendas.

However, the analyses don't provide information about:

• The backgrounds and potential political affiliations of owners Chris Richmond and Drew Schoentrup
• Detailed financial statements showing exact revenue breakdowns from each funding source
• Any potential conflicts of interest that might arise from their advertising partnerships
• Historical ownership changes or how the current ownership structure was established

Critics of fact-checking organizations often argue that advertising-dependent models can create subtle biases toward content that generates more engagement or avoids offending major advertisers. Conversely, supporters of independent fact-checking would benefit from Snopes' model as it theoretically reduces influence from partisan donors or special interests.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself appears neutral and factual - it simply asks for ownership and funding information without making claims that could be considered misinformation. However, the question's framing could reflect an underlying skepticism about fact-checking organizations' independence, which is a common concern among those who question the legitimacy of fact-checkers or believe they have hidden agendas.

The discrepancy between sources regarding the exact ownership percentages (50/50 vs 60/40 split) suggests either outdated information in one of the sources or changes in ownership structure over time that weren't clearly documented ^{[1] [2]}. This inconsistency could potentially be exploited by those seeking to cast doubt on Snopes' transparency, though it may simply reflect normal business evolution or reporting differences.