What is Semafor?

Semafor is an English-language digital news outlet, founded by journalists Ben Smith and Justin Smith (no relation), that launched in late 2022. It covers global politics, business, technology and media, with reporters based in multiple cities around the world, including Washington, London, and Lagos.

What makes it distinct from most outlets is its article format. Each piece separates the news from the analysis, and then from the reporter's own view, labeling each section clearly so you can see exactly which part is reported fact, which part is context, and which part is the journalist's opinion. The idea was to make the editorial choices transparent rather than blending them together the way most articles do.

The name comes from "semaphore," the system of using flags or lights to send signals across a distance, the implication being that the outlet is trying to send clearer signals in a noisy media environment.

It has attracted attention both for its format and for its ambitions around international coverage, particularly in Africa, where it has invested in a dedicated newsroom.