Jason Mattera
A provocative conservative media figure who built a career on confrontational interviews and bestselling critiques of the political left.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American writer, political activist, radio host, and journalist·Birthday: September 8·Millennials
Biography
Jason Mattera burst onto the political media scene as a young, brash conservative activist, using ambush interview tactics to challenge liberal politicians and celebrities. He leveraged this notoriety into a role as editor of the historic 'Human Events' magazine and a New York radio show. His first book, 'Obama Zombies,' a critique of youth support for Barack Obama, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, cementing his status as a voice for a new generation of right-wing commentators. Mattera's style—part journalist, part provocateur—earned him an Emmy nomination for a television segment and consistent controversy, positioning him as a polarizing fixture in the ecosystem of conservative digital and broadcast media.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jason was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Authored the New York Times bestseller 'Obama Zombies: The 2009 Cult of Hope & Change.'
- Served as the editor of the conservative magazine 'Human Events' from 2010 to 2012.
- Received an Emmy nomination for a journalistic television segment.
- Hosted a weekend talk show on New York City radio station 770 AM.
Did You Know?
He is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent.
Mattera began his political activism as a student at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.
His book 'Hollywood Hypocrites' targeted liberal celebrities for perceived political inconsistencies.
“The media's job is to hold power accountable, not to cheerlead it.”
