The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The most exciting media companies have non-media business models

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
💼 Business Journalism
  1. The most successful modern media companies build non-media businesses — like ecommerce, SaaS, or product lines — so audience attention turns into direct revenue. Those commerce arms often outperform ads and subscriptions.
  2. Live events and conferences are a lucrative revenue channel because they generate fast, high-margin income and attract influential audiences. But events carry high overhead, are limited by venue capacity, and are hard to scale indefinitely.
  3. Creators and publishers need diversified monetization — sponsorships, paid newsletters, AI tools, branded content, and partnerships — plus a focused, often affluent audience and active sales effort to make those models pay. Relying on a single revenue stream or on platform-driven distribution leaves businesses exposed.

The political takeover over journalism

Striking 13 • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  1. Journalism and politics are increasingly blurred, making it hard to differentiate between the two.
  2. Some individuals operate simultaneously as journalists and politicians, creating a dangerous scenario where roles get mixed up.
  3. Journalism is not just about spectators; it holds the power to change history and should be grounded in truth and journalistic values.

Bari Weiss: Against the Vandals

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5318 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship aims to create a hopeful vision for the future and preserve the foundations of civilization. This shows a collective desire to bring about positive change in society.
  2. Recent political leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Giorgia Meloni in Italy have shown that strong leadership can lead to significant change, challenging the idea that decline is inevitable.
  3. Attending and participating in gatherings like ARC can feel energizing and affirming, especially when surrounded by like-minded individuals who care about important issues.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Your December Questions, Answered (2 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 148 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. This is a follow-up Q&A answering readers’ December questions on topics like Bari Weiss, Jewishness, the NFL, and The Simpsons.
  2. A reader asked about the Bari Weiss/60 Minutes controversy over a delayed segment on an El Salvadoran prison, and the writer said they’d devote a full article to that topic.
  3. The rest of the responses are behind a paywall, but the post offers a way to claim the free continuation or subscribe to read the full piece.

Judgment Day Has Arrived for the Journalism Business

The Honest Broker • 30220 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Media platforms struggling with advertising rely on gimmicky clickbait strategies that eventually fail.
  2. Subscription-based models are becoming successful in journalism, shifting the focus back to quality writing.
  3. AI-generated articles, the latest gimmick in media, reduce writing costs but sacrifice quality and are doomed to fail.

A Continual Christmas

Where's Your Ed At • 18249 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Allowing hate speech can lead to a platform becoming a safe haven for harmful ideologies like nazism.
  2. Media properties have a responsibility to act ethically and not empower intolerant and genocidal ideologies.
  3. Journalism should prioritize clarity and truth over the illusion of objectivity, especially when addressing harmful content.

Revisiting Renata

Vague Blue • 958 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Renata Adler's writing focuses on critical acuity and a strong ethical use of language
  2. Renata Adler's work emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctions and avoiding polarization in discussions of violence and ethics
  3. Adler's nonfiction stands out for its searing righteousness, honesty, and fearless exploration of truth amidst a backdrop of cultural and political complexities

What I learned in year three of Platformer

Platformer • 4461 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Platformer has experienced significant growth in subscribers over the past year, thanks to various factors like talented staff, impactful stories, and the Substack recommendations engine.
  2. The broader tech media ecosystem is facing challenges with layoffs and diminishing vitality, prompting journalists to consider the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to independent journalism.
  3. Platformer's plans for the future include expanding the team with new hires, experimenting with newsletter ads, and potentially supporting independent journalism through investments or grants.

Ancient Wisdom: My Second Act Gave Me a Second Life

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1901 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Switching careers can bring new purpose and joy to life. Finding something you love, like teaching or writing, can really change your outlook.
  2. Great experiences, like working for a top magazine, come from both luck and hard work. It's important to take chances and be open to new opportunities.
  3. Aging doesn't mean you stop growing. Staying curious and trying new things can help you continue to learn and feel fulfilled.

Nobody Cares About the News Anymore and the Business Is Built on That Lie

Startup Strategies • 85 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. Most people don’t actually care about the news anymore.
  2. People only glance at headlines or blurbs and don’t want to read full articles because they’re long, complex, and often boring; they compete with entertainment like Netflix.
  3. The news industry is deeply broken and is built on the false idea that people will consume traditional news the way they used to.

TGIF: The Client List

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2077 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The content is satire, which means it uses humor to comment on real issues. So take it lightly and enjoy the laughs.
  2. There's a new app for The Free Press, designed to be user-friendly and visually appealing. It's aimed at making it easier for readers to access their content.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and subscriptions help fund this work. By subscribing, you can unlock more investigative stories and opinions.

Aporia gets a hit piece in the Guardian

ideassleepfuriously • 2122 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. The article criticizes a hit piece on Aporia Magazine by The Guardian for associating the magazine with scientific racism and attacking anti-woke activist Chris Rufo.
  2. The piece points out the tactic of using experts to lend authority to playground insults, such as labeling Aporia as 'seriously nasty' and 'scientific racist'.
  3. The article highlights the tactic of quoting out of context, like criticizing statements about racial differences in intelligence, without actually refuting the claims.

The Liberal Media Always Fails Against Fascism

Shatter Zone • 4107 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Liberal media institutions like the New York Times and Washington Post historically fail at confronting fascism.
  2. Evidence shows a decline in free societies despite an increase in global news media outlets and journalists.
  3. Journalists and publishers of legacy media companies have sometimes enabled fascist movements by prioritizing objectivity over advocacy against authoritarianism.

Merry Christmas To All

The DisInformation Chronicle • 265 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. A Free Speech Legal Defense Fund was launched to fight frivolous lawsuits and push for anti-SLAPP laws that protect journalists and ordinary people.
  2. Someone who posted U.S. court documents was sued in Madrid, won the case and two appeals, but continues to face new lawsuits that act as legal and financial harassment.
  3. The campaign has raised over $1,700 from 29 donors and the publication has grown to about 36,000 subscribers, and it asks readers to support the fund while sending holiday wishes.

A selection of insane viral garbage tweets on the "Epstein Files"

Michael Tracey • 73 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Many viral posts claim sensational, unverified revelations about the “Epstein Files,” often presenting lurid conspiracy theories as if they’re proven.
  2. High-profile hosts and journalists amplify these claims without proper fact-checking, which spreads misinformation to huge audiences and fuels panic.
  3. Careful, fact-based corrections struggle to compete with engagement-driven sensationalism, so debunking false narratives is difficult but still necessary.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1886 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The Audacious Bookclub is reading 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar and will have a conversation with the author on February 27th.
  2. Roxane Gay's newsletter features personal professional news, including upcoming events and a new 'Work Friend' column.
  3. The newsletter includes a roundup of reading material ranging from obituaries to Grammy highlights, new shows, and recent journalism news.

Hey Media: Stop Grading Republicans on a Curve

The Message Box • 3773 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The media should not portray minor accomplishments of Republicans as significant achievements.
  2. Republicans are often graded on a curve, receiving praise for basic actions that Democrats are held to higher standards for.
  3. The political media strives for balance over accuracy, leading to biased coverage that favors Republicans in certain scenarios.

State TV Slobbers Over State of the Union

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12779 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The article discusses how state media in various historical regimes may have praised a leader's speech as enthusiastically as Joe Biden's State of the Union address.
  2. The post highlights the reaction of ABC's chief Washington correspondent and his colleague after Joe Biden's speech.
  3. The article teases a discussion between correspondents about the effectiveness of Biden's speech, requiring a subscription to read further.

The Democrats Have Lost the Plot

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 25985 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The Democrats focused on free speech in relation to Chrissy Teigen, not important matters.
  2. During the House Subcommittee hearing, politicians showed a lack of understanding about interacting with journalists.
  3. The claim that the author posed a 'direct threat' is concerning for journalists in general.

Democrats' Matt Taibbi Meltdown

Useful Idiots • 3380 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Matt Taibbi faced Congressional Democrats in Washington and it didn't go well for them.
  2. The politicians came off as corrupt and wealthy, hypocritically lecturing Taibbi about the capitalist system.
  3. Taibbi remained polite and calm while the politicians got increasingly hysterical.

Gonzalo Lira [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 1945 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  1. Journalism is restricted in times of war to protect national interests.
  2. If in a foreign country during conflict, citizens should be detained, not killed.
  3. The circumstances of Gonzalo Lira's death raise questions about possible political manipulation.

Marshall Allen, Fearless Advocate for Health Care Reform and Journalist, dies at 52

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Journalism
  1. Marshall Allen was a passionate journalist and advocate for health care reform. He worked hard to help people navigate the unfair aspects of the health care system.
  2. He wrote a book called 'Never Pay the First Bill' to share tips on fighting against unexpected medical bills. His goal was to empower patients to stand up for their rights.
  3. Marshall was known for his compassion and integrity. Many friends and colleagues are committed to continuing his work and honoring his legacy.

Meet the Censored: Me?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 22417 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The project to uncover Twitter Files revealed a complex and organized system of content policing involving various government agencies and tech platforms.
  2. Suspension of journalist accounts for sharing information about Elon Musk's private jet highlighted the tensions between free speech and censorship.
  3. Elon Musk's involvement in the transparency of Twitter was met with conflicting reactions, ultimately leading to unexpected clashes with platforms like Substack.

Transcript - America This Week, August 8, 2025: "The AI Invasion: Why the Media Won't Correct Itself"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1319 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Journalism is shifting from finding the truth to just influencing people. Now, it's more about how powerful your message is than how accurate it is.
  2. AI is changing how we understand and spread information. It's not about what is true anymore; it's about what gets shared the most.
  3. Even if reporters used to be trusted, now their old reputations can let them get away with spreading false information without correction.

Mistakes at ‘The New York Times’ Only Go in One Direction

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1391 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The New York Times published a story about hunger in Gaza that gained significant attention but later needed a correction. This shows how quickly misinformation can spread.
  2. The original article used information from the Gaza Ministry of Health, which has a history of reporting inaccuracies. This puts the reliability of sources into question.
  3. Even after the correction, the initial message still affected public opinion and led to calls for action against Israel. It highlights how impactful stories can shape perceptions, even if later corrected.

Here’s to the First Million Free Pressers—And the Next

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4405 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. The Free Press has grown to one million subscribers by focusing on delivering honest journalism. People are looking for trustworthy news that reflects reality.
  2. Instead of just rejecting old media, The Free Press aims to provide valuable content that people need. They emphasize the importance of pursuing truth in their reporting.
  3. The growth of The Free Press shows that many people still care about real journalism and want to support it. This gives hope for the future of journalism as a whole.

Public intellectuals need to say what they actually believe

Aaron’s Blog • 159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Public intellectuals should state their actual beliefs rather than softening or hiding them, because people take published words as the author’s real view.
  2. Most readers lack the background to guess what’s been omitted, so withholding key beliefs predictably misleads and deprives people of important information they could use.
  3. Candidness is practical and compatible with careful communication: label speculation, give confidence levels or probabilities, and only hide beliefs in extreme safety-risk situations.

Please Do Not Send Me Another Half-Ass Reported Emily Kopp “Daily Caller” Story

The DisInformation Chronicle • 340 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Emily Kopp's reporting often contains factual errors, making it frustrating for others who follow news on related topics. Many feel her stories are misleading and not well-researched.
  2. There is a complicated process for creating policies on gain-of-function research, involving many government agencies. This complexity is sometimes misunderstood, leading to confusion in reported stories.
  3. Kopp's claims about individuals in the NIH and their actions have been challenged, indicating that her reporting may not accurately reflect the reality of the situation.

Scientific American Ignored Years of Editor Laura Helmuth’s Appalling Conduct, Then Scalped Her After I Circulated Her Own Tweets

The DisInformation Chronicle • 4920 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Laura Helmuth, editor of Scientific American, faced backlash and resigned after her own controversial tweets were shared online. Many said her comments showed a clear bias against certain political groups.
  2. The incident sparked a debate about the standards in science journalism, highlighting how some writers may prioritize political agendas over objective reporting.
  3. Despite the controversy, some members of the science writing community continued to support Helmuth, raising questions about accountability and the direction of science communication.

On Rebuilding

The Save Journalism Committee • 309 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🚌 Education Journalism
  1. A forthcoming essay called "The Curiosity Crisis" will lay out a renewed focus on the core reasons some knowledge systems flourish while others crack and decay.
  2. Paid subscriptions are currently paused, free subscribers will still get periodic pieces, and monetization may return in a new form later.
  3. A reporter’s dispatch from Syria is highlighted as a clear example of what rebuilding looks like, and there are plans for careful, selective collaborations with former colleagues—only promoting work that truly seems excellent.

The UFO craze was created by government nepotism and incompetent journalism

The Intrinsic Perspective • 18042 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🔬 Science Journalism
  1. Conspiracy theories thrive in today's society due to declining trust in traditional institutions.
  2. Journalists promoting fake conspiracy theories for clicks diminishes overall skepticism and credibility.
  3. The UFO craze is influenced by government funding, key figures like Harry Reid, and media sensationalism, rather than substantial evidence.

Have You Heard the Good News?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1604 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The current public debate makes it sound like everything is terrible, but that's not the whole truth. While we do have problems, things today are actually better than they used to be.
  2. Media often focuses on negative stories because they get more attention and views. This can create a skewed view of reality where everything feels worse than it really is.
  3. It's important to look at the bigger picture and recognize the good alongside the challenges. Recognizing progress can help us focus on solutions rather than feeling hopeless.

The Silly Furor Over "Allegedly"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10370 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Kristen Welker of Meet the Press faced criticism for using the word 'allegedly' when talking about Trump trying to overturn the 2020 election.
  2. Using 'allegedly' in journalism can spark heated debates and reactions from colleagues and the audience.
  3. Accuracy and choice of words, like 'allegedly,' can lead to intense discussions and interpretations in news reporting.

He Shut Down Time’s Moscow Bureau. Then He Built His Own Magazine

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
💼 Business Journalism
  1. The collapse of legacy newsrooms pushed journalists to build new, independent outlets instead of following old corporate paths.
  2. Starting small and using niche entry points like food or quirky platforms can grow into a powerful creative brand, but heavy reliance on brand partnerships or star contributors can leave a media venture vulnerable.
  3. Moving to reader-supported, membership-driven models and combining digital work with an annual print edition can provide a more durable financial foundation after major setbacks.