The Awl is an independent web publisher in New York City. Founded in 2009 by Alex Balk and Choire Sicha, the network consists currently of four websites, aimed at an intelligent and educated, sophisticated yet fun-loving audience. The editorial and business staff are drawn from companies like The Huffington Post, Vox, Gawker, BuzzFeed, the New Yorker and Deadspin. The Awl is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.