The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Why Is Reuters Carrying Water for Hamas?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1163 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Some news reports claim there's no evidence of Hamas stealing aid, but there are discrepancies in the actual data. It shows over $4.6 million reported as lost due to fraud.
  2. Legacy media tends to promote narratives that favor Hamas, which raises questions about their reporting standards. This can shape public perception in a biased way.
  3. It's important to differentiate between notifications of potential aid misuse and confirmed instances of misuse. Just because no direct evidence was cited doesn't mean issues don't exist.

On Chain Publishing

Points And Figures • 266 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Journalism
  1. Paragraph is an on-chain publishing platform, but platforms like Substack still offer better distribution and much easier commenting; Paragraph’s comment/community features require buying and using tokens.
  2. A post was published on Paragraph and readers are invited to read it, leave comments, and make predictions, with the suggestion to turn those predictions into markets on Polymarket or Kalshi.
  3. As AI improves, original human writing with real insight will become rarer, and that shift could upend many purely capitalistic industries and their current business models.

Nick Shirley’s Somali Daycare Fraud Video Is Bullsh*t. Here’s Why It Worked Anyway.

Weaponized • 190 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Real footage and real documents can still mislead when selectively edited and stripped of context. Omissions, timing, and visual framing can make innocent scenes look like proof of wrongdoing.
  2. Creators borrow the look of journalism and use gotcha interviews, lingering shots, and in‑group/out‑group messaging to launder credibility and tap into viewers' emotions and biases.
  3. Traditional media and institutions lose the narrative race when they’re slow and reactive; to fight this they must preempt stories with quick, clear multimedia, monitor emerging narratives, and expose the tactics being used.

A note on the great Ann Leslie.

Letters from Suzanne • 2771 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Dame Ann Leslie lived a huge and adventurous life as a renowned foreign correspondent.
  2. She was known for her wit, humor, and fearless approach to reporting major events and wars.
  3. Despite her tough exterior, she had a depth of caring and passion that drove her to report the world's complexities.
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The dirty tricks of reputation management: from PI firms to sabotaging Google Search

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Some people use shady methods to manipulate their online reputation. This can involve private investigators and trying to remove negative news articles from search results.
  2. A technique existed that allowed individuals to remove any webpage, including news articles, from Google's search results by exploiting a specific tool. Google has now fixed this problem.
  3. The actions of former CEO Maury Blackman and related parties show how far some will go to silence journalists and hide their questionable pasts, even engaging in legal battles to threaten those who publish critical information.

Inside the Writerly Life of Joan Didion

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1159 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Journalism
  1. Joan Didion's early writing experiences shaped her as a writer since childhood, emphasizing the importance of practicing and developing writing skills from a young age.
  2. Joan Didion's keen attention to sentence structure and style was influenced by authors like Hemingway, Conrad, and James, showcasing how studying others' works can inform one's writing.
  3. Joan Didion viewed writing as an integral part of her thought process, using writing as a tool for exploration and self-discovery, and recognizing the impact of her writing tools on her thought process.

Aviation Report: An Example of Honesty, and One of Deceit.

Breaking the News • 1346 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. William Langewiesche was a well-respected figure in aviation and writing, known for his unique storytelling style. His work changed how many people view aviation and its complexities.
  2. He wrote a famous book called 'Stick and Rudder,' which is essential reading for pilots. His father's influence helped him become a skilled pilot from a young age.
  3. The FAA keeps public records of pilots, showing transparency about who has trained to fly. This information includes many famous personalities, highlighting the wide interest in aviation.

60 Minutes's 'Inside CECOT'

Unpopular Front • 158 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. An editor halted a TV investigative piece about detainee abuse and pushed for major changes, asking for administration on-the-record responses and a policy debate instead of the human-focused report as produced.
  2. Several claims in that editorial request were inaccurate or misleading, including points about how many people were charged versus sentenced and what legal arguments the government actually made in court.
  3. Courts have ruled the deportations unlawful and subject to judicial review, and the whole episode raises worries about poor editorial judgment and possible conflicts of interest affecting newsroom decisions.

My Story Structure Lesson At San Quentin

Technohumanism • 99 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. In discussing race, people often see others through the lens of their own freedom or lack thereof. This can lead to powerful and thought-provoking conversations.
  2. Powerful storytelling can evoke strong emotional reactions and provoke thoughts about the realities faced by different groups in society.
  3. Words have the ability to engage our imaginations and encourage us to think deeper about the experiences of others, especially those in difficult situations.

As Duncan Black Says, Time for Another WebLogger Ethics Panel!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Many elites who promote meritocracy often display poor ethical standards, which undermines the idea that society is run by merit.
  2. Journalists and public intellectuals who hide or downplay personal ties to controversial figures damage their credibility and make conspiracy thinking more likely.
  3. Secretive elite gatherings and destroyed or concealed guest lists help normalize problematic people and shield powerful actors from accountability.

Looking Back: One Year Of Big Technology's Paid Edition

Big Technology • 4128 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Journalism
  1. The launch of paid subscriptions for Big Technology has been a success, allowing the publication to grow and provide better content.
  2. The newsletter included valuable insights on major tech companies like Amazon and Google, highlighting important trends and changes in leadership.
  3. Engagement with subscribers has been strong, with the addition of exclusive podcasts and events, making the relationship between the writer and readers even more meaningful.

Ask Me Anything, Anyone

Singal-Minded • 158 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. He's hosting an open Ask Me Anything and inviting readers to post questions in the comments, open to anyone with a Substack account.
  2. He plans to publish a post answering some questions by the end of the year and says he'll favor questions that get more likes.
  3. The invitation is framed as a low‑stakes experiment to boost engagement and see how the wider Substack community responds over the holidays.

Welcome to my words

Technohumanism • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Connecting art and science is important to understand human experiences and creativity. Both play a role in helping us find meaning in our lives.
  2. The author has a diverse background in journalism and tech, sharing unique stories and insights from various industries. Their experiences aim to bring a fresh perspective on complex topics.
  3. The aim of this Substack is to explore intriguing ideas and offer guidance about navigating the changing world, especially in relation to technology and its impact on society.

Haviv Rettig Gur Joins The Free Press

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Haviv Rettig Gur is joining The Free Press as a Middle East analyst, bringing his deep knowledge from years of reporting on the region. His insights will help readers understand complex issues in the Middle East.
  2. He will host live Q&A sessions where subscribers can ask questions about ordinary Israeli citizens and their perspectives on the current conflict. This aims to deepen the understanding of Israeli public opinion beyond just political leaders.
  3. His background includes extensive reporting on Israel’s politics and relationships, making him a valuable resource for comprehending the ongoing challenges in the region.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Journalists are facing arrests in Western countries for expressing pro-Palestinian views. This shows a growing trend of limiting free speech about controversial issues.
  2. Social media platforms and governments are increasingly censoring information that criticizes Israel or supports Palestine. This reflects a wider attempt to control public discourse.
  3. The current climate poses risks to truth-tellers and activists. Many are concerned about rising authoritarian measures meant to silence dissenting opinions.

What Really Happened to George Floyd?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7776 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. A new documentary challenges key parts of the George Floyd story: the knee-on-the-neck hold as Chauvin's signature move, asphyxiation as the cause of death, and whether Chauvin received a fair trial.
  2. The full footage of the incident shows more context than the viral clip - officers had tried to place Floyd in the squad car and Chauvin's knee was not on Floyd's neck for as long as widely believed.
  3. Chauvin's criminal trial presented an opportunity to reassess the evidence and public opinion, with the prosecution having to prove Chauvin's actions constituted assault and caused Floyd's death.

Journalism is dead, long live journalism

Unreported Truths • 45 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. Independent, subscription-funded news outlets are growing and hiring talent, and they can become new flagships that offer an alternative to corporate media. They promise more editorial independence and can attract readers and investment.
  2. Legacy newspapers are facing serious financial losses and large layoffs, which hurt many mid-level reporters and expose deeper editorial and strategic failures. Cutting staff without fixing the business model risks a downward spiral.
  3. There is a clear opening for independent journalists and collaborations to fill gaps left by traditional outlets, but scaling up is hard and many displaced journalists will face real economic challenges. Working together could amplify impact, even as running a larger outlet remains difficult.

Job listing: Associate Editor

Silver Bulletin • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. An associate editor position (initially part-time, with the potential to expand) will focus on editing others' work, commissioning and editing freelancers, shaping style and editorial planning, and doing quality control on data, charts, and models.
  2. Applicants need at least two years of editing experience, a strong interest in topics like electoral politics and sports, and a precise, statistics-savvy eye for data and factual accuracy.
  3. The job pays $45–55/hour for roughly 15–20 hours per week with a 50-hour minimum guarantee, requires US work eligibility and weekday availability, and has an application deadline of Feb 24 with interviews in early March.

The Surf Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. A new piece was written for the Financial Times Weekend. It's exciting to share work in such a respected publication.
  2. You can find this issue at local newsstands, and subscribing supports good journalism.
  3. Look out for a roundup of links for subscribers coming on Saturday.

The Free Press, Tailored to You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2735 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. The website has a fresh new look that makes it easier to use. Now, you can quickly find what interests you most.
  2. You can listen to podcasts and watch videos more easily, thanks to dedicated sections on the site.
  3. You can customize what you receive in your inbox. This means you’ll get the stories you care about right when they're published.

Some big news about The Mill

The Mill • 1808 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. The Mill has successfully raised a total of £350,000 in funding from supporters to hire journalists around the country.
  2. The funding will be used for expanding the company and hiring new staff members in different cities.
  3. The success of The Mill's funding round is attributed to the support and belief of paying members and prominent figures in the media industry.

A Note from Bari—and Our Big Thanksgiving Deal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2712 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The Free Press has grown to over 935,000 subscribers, showing strong support and trust from the audience. This growth is almost double compared to last year.
  2. They have covered significant events like the presidential election, focusing on real issues and voices from everyday Americans, which has shaped their trusted reporting.
  3. The organization is expanding its presence through documentaries, podcasts, and live events, aiming to engage with the community and enhance its media offerings.

Google-affiliated military AI expo cracks down on journalists amid Code Pink disruptions

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1058 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Journalists faced harassment at a military AI expo organized by Eric Schmidt, highlighting tensions between security and freedom of the press.
  2. Protests against U.S. and Israeli military actions gained attention at the event, revealing strong opposition to the narratives being presented.
  3. The expo focused on using AI for military and national security, with discussions around how technology can be used for 'regime change' and information control.

How the Kyiv Independent used global sympathy to generate membership revenue

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 124 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. Being the main English-language outlet on the ground during Russia’s invasion brought massive global attention and traffic.
  2. They turned international sympathy into income by shifting from one-off donations to a Guardian-style membership model without using a paywall, growing recurring revenue.
  3. They’ve also started producing longform documentaries as part of their editorial and revenue strategy.

On the Epstein files, Dr. Peter Attia, and the difference between cancel culture and reasonable moral expectations

Unreported Truths • 44 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The Epstein records show many powerful people kept ties to him and engaged in disturbing, if not always illegal, behavior, which creates a real tension between privacy and the public’s right to know.
  2. There’s an important difference between canceling someone for their views and holding public figures accountable for their actions; people in positions of trust should meet minimum moral and behavioral standards.
  3. The Peter Attia example illustrates that poor judgment by trusted public figures can erode credibility and justify employers reconsidering their platforms, without that being the same as suppressing speech.

No Winter is Insuperable - A New Year's Message

Pekingnology • 113 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  1. Hard times can be overcome when people hold on to conviction, offer even a small light, and keep moving together.
  2. Ordinary citizens are the backbone of society and must take responsibility to seek truth, demand fairness, and push for reform.
  3. Patriotism should be constructive: love for the country includes praising progress and criticizing flaws so we can build a better future for the next generation.

Did I Publish The Private Medical Records Of Transgender Children?

Singal-Minded • 2241 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. People are spreading false rumors about someone publishing private medical records of trans minors. This rumor seems to stem from misunderstandings and exaggerations about what was actually reported.
  2. It's important to approach such topics carefully, as misinformation can lead to harmful consequences for individuals and communities. Claims need careful examination before being believed.
  3. The online environment can intensify these rumors, causing real-world effects and fears for those involved, highlighting the need for accountability in how information is shared and discussed.

Welcome to Striking 13

Striking 13 • 1457 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📰 News Journalism
  1. Striking 13 is dedicated to providing good, clean, and honest journalism that is easy to understand and grounded in evidence and expertise.
  2. The newsletter prides itself on not providing impartial reporting like on TV, but instead offers coverage committed to values like reason, tolerance, truth, and empiricism.
  3. Readers can expect objective political coverage based on evidence, research, reliable sources, and interviews with specialists, even when it may not align with the author's own political biases.

War and comradeship

Archedelia • 1356 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The films highlight the real experiences of war and the deep bonds formed among soldiers.
  2. Returning home from war can be challenging in a modern, distant society.
  3. War demands human qualities that may conflict with public principles in contemporary society.

Why a former New York Times editor launched her own women-focused magazine

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Francesca Donner felt there weren't enough female voices in mainstream media, so she decided to create her own space.
  2. She launched an online magazine called the Persistent, which is all about women writers and perspectives.
  3. Francesca wants to build a strong community through her magazine and is thinking carefully about putting content behind a paywall.