The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

LibsofTikTok is hiring an investigative journalist to launder her hate campaigns

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1731 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Libs of TikTok is looking to hire an investigative journalist to enhance their media image and legitimacy.
  2. The job involves verifying sources and facts, but it is associated with a controversial far-right media brand.
  3. Recent events show that their posts have led to significant backlash, including bomb threats to businesses.

So, here we are ...

Tim Culpan’s Position • 19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Journalism
  1. The author recently left a long career at Bloomberg and started a Substack to stay connected with followers. They weren't expecting such a positive response with many signing up and offering financial support.
  2. The author values their audience and will focus on Asia's technology scene moving forward. They want to keep their readers engaged with honest and critical insights.
  3. The author is interested in feedback and has created a poll to understand what their audience wants. However, they hint they'll ultimately follow their own path regardless of the results.

Searching For Ross McDonnell

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 727 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Journalism
  1. Ross McDonnell, a talented photographer and filmmaker, went missing in New York and was later found deceased on a beach in Queens.
  2. Ross McDonnell's work took him around the world, capturing impactful stories in places like Afghanistan, Mexico, and Ukraine.
  3. Ross McDonnell deeply touched the lives of many with his authenticity, talent, and ability to build genuine connections with the people he filmed.

A Golden Age of Letters

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Journalism
  1. Being a journalist can be tough and not very rewarding, so it's better to think about becoming a writer with your own audience. It's a different path that offers more creative freedom.
  2. Platforms like Substack are growing because they let writers earn money directly from their readers, rather than going through traditional media. This makes it a good time for independent writers.
  3. Successful independent writers tend to have moderate views and focus on building steady relationships with their audience, rather than chasing after controversy for short-term gains.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Journalists should start building life rafts earlier in their careers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Journalists should think about creating their own platforms early in their careers. Having a personal website or newsletter can help them connect better with their audience.
  2. The situation at CNN is uncertain as they transition away from traditional cable. There is a need for major changes to adapt to the future of media.
  3. Support for indie filmmakers is growing, with new partnerships like Tubi and Kickstarter helping fresh talent get their movies made.

Intellectual Hospitality and Genuine Debate

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1383 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Intellectual hospitality means being open to ideas and suggestions from all sides. It's important to listen and consider different viewpoints to grow and make better decisions together.
  2. Genuine debate is essential for democracy to work well. When everyone can talk and challenge each other's ideas, we can sift through opinions to find the truth.
  3. Instead of trying to make everyone think the same, politics should help people with different views work together. This is how a diverse society can thrive and move forward.

Media malpractice by The Washington Post and ABC News

The Signorile Report • 1019 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📰 News Journalism
  1. The Washington Post and ABC News published a flawed poll showing Trump leading Biden by 10 points, which was widely criticized and eventually disappeared from the Post homepage.
  2. Media organizations have a responsibility to provide accurate and reliable information, especially when conducting polls in a climate of misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  3. The methodology flaws in the poll, such as an unusual mix of respondents and misaligned results compared to other polls, highlighted the media malpractice in presenting and defending problematic data.

Newcomer Is Hiring!

Newcomer • 845 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Newcomer is hiring for various roles like reporter, interns, and freelance writers.
  2. The company has experienced significant growth in revenue, is profitable, and is expanding its editorial team.
  3. Roles include full-time reporter, freelance opportunities, and intern positions for Summer 2023.

The Dark Web and a Journalist Murder

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 825 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📰 News Journalism
  1. The dark web can be used for illicit activities like hiring hitmen and selling illegal weapons.
  2. Scammers on the dark web may offer false information about hiring hitmen to deceive others for financial gain.
  3. Investigating crimes on the dark web can reveal potential links to real-world incidents, showcasing the need for vigilance in cyberspace.

On the dangers of audience capture in new - and old - media

Unreported Truths • 42 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. Audiences now steer content: creators and outlets often tailor what they say to win likes, clicks, or engagement instead of sticking to hard truths.
  2. That incentive affects both new independent creators and legacy media, producing biased or sensational narratives that prioritize attention over accuracy.
  3. Journalism that resists audience capture by prioritizing facts and honest analysis is rare and valuable, and it benefits from conscious support.

NOTE TO SUBSCRIBERS

Glenn Greenwald • 4165 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
📰 News Journalism
  1. Glenn Greenwald's content moved from Substack to Rumble and Locals platforms for greater reach and independent journalism.
  2. Greenwald focuses on a 90-minute live nightly show called SYSTEM UPDATE, reaching a larger audience through videos and podcasts.
  3. Daily transcripts of the show are available to Locals subscribers, along with exclusive after-show sessions for audience engagement.

Transcript - America This Week, Dec. 20, 2024: "Damn! Defamation Suits Return, and the Killer Folk Legend Ascends"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1166 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. A recent settlement between ABC and Donald Trump over defamation highlights tensions in journalism. It raises questions about whether media outlets should stand firm against powerful figures or settle quickly to avoid lengthy legal battles.
  2. The legal standard for defamation is quite high, requiring proof of actual malice. This means journalists can make mistakes without facing severe penalties, as long as they aren't knowingly spreading false information.
  3. Many in the press are concerned that settling this lawsuit could set a troubling precedent and make journalists more hesitant to report on powerful people, potentially stifling free speech and critical journalism.

The Free Press in Israel: A Special Limited Series

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2796 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  1. The decision to go to a place of conflict can be a mix of practical concerns and emotional ties, but the desire to witness and understand can be a driving force.
  2. Meeting people face-to-face and being on the ground for reporting provides a depth and understanding that remote communication cannot match.
  3. Experiencing a war-torn region firsthand brings a deeper perspective on the impact and realities faced by those living in conflict zones.

After the shocking exposé about puberty blocker usage in New Zealand, the mainstream media is silent.

A B’Old Woman • 539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand is less fearless and robust compared to the past, often avoiding challenging stories.
  2. An exposé revealed high usage of puberty blockers in New Zealand, but it hasn't been widely reported by major news outlets.
  3. Some experienced journalists are still pursuing important stories, despite a culture that often prioritizes safety over challenging reporting.

This social-first news outlet turned street interviews into a 600,000-subscriber YouTube channel

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. They left traditional institutional media to build a direct-to-audience outlet that prioritizes on-the-ground reporting and aims to present stories without a partisan filter.
  2. They found product-market fit by focusing on Instagram and designing platform-native 'Quick Cards' that capture attention, with a viral GameStop post showing how fast that approach can grow an audience.
  3. The social-first strategy was scaled into multiple products—a newsletter, mobile app, and a longform YouTube channel built around street interviews that grew to about 600,000 subscribers.

CNN and the Inventory Problem

Drezner’s World • 766 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The story highlights the failures and hubris of CNN's CEO, Chris Licht, through various anecdotes and examples.
  2. Licht's attempts to cater to different audiences have not been successful, alienating viewers and failing to make CNN an attractive choice for news consumption.
  3. CNN, under Licht's leadership, needs to rethink its strategy, focus on reputable news reporting, and consider a more traditional approach like PBS for its future direction.

A Note from Bari—and Our Best Deal of the Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 92 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. A strong sense of gratitude for the team and the growing reader community, celebrating how their supporters make the work possible.
  2. A big expansion in content and reach, including new podcasts, columnists, livestreams, an app, live events, major investigations, and a partnership to reach more people.
  3. A direct call to become a paid subscriber with a limited 25% off first-year offer (and a gift option), framed as a way to join a large community committed to plain-speaking journalism.

First Floor #200 – That's a Lot of Newsletters

First Floor • 432 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎶 Music Journalism
  1. First Floor newsletter celebrates its 200th edition without making a big deal about arbitrary milestones.
  2. The newsletter content includes a recap of electronic music news, new release announcements, and track recommendations.
  3. The author highlights notable happenings in the electronic music world, such as industry news, artist spotlights, and new album releases.

Not Right, Not-Left, Just Online

Default Wisdom • 281 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The rise of alt-media has changed how people get their news, especially since COVID. Many distrust traditional media and turn to alternative sources now.
  2. There are new groups forming within the political landscape, like those who feel lost after Trump's impact on the right. They're searching for a new place in media and politics.
  3. Left-leaning media is trying to catch up by creating its own alternative platforms to attract audiences who are frustrated with existing options.

Should journalists view newsroom buyouts as seed funding?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Journalists may see newsroom buyouts as a chance to start their own media projects. Instead of just looking for another job, they could use the buyout money to fund something new.
  2. Newsweek is struggling with its subscription plan due to poor content choices and heavy ads. It's a good example of what not to do if you want to build a successful paywall.
  3. Local newspapers owned by Advance Local are thriving online by separating their digital and print brands. They focus on smart choices about which print papers to keep operating.

The Spanish Visualization Diaspora: An Exhibition

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 199 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Journalism
  1. Many Spanish infographic designers have moved to other countries since the 1990s, especially the USA, to find better opportunities. They often notice much better salaries and working conditions compared to Spain.
  2. Spanish designers are trained to be versatile, handling various tasks such as drawing, programming, and creating data visuals. This diverse skill set is attractive to employers abroad.
  3. Even though they face challenges when leaving their home country, many Spanish designers maintain a positive attitude and good humor about their work, making them well-liked in their new environments.

Amazon, Dr. Gupta, Lilly and Other Thoughts

Martin’s Newsletter • 687 implied HN points • 10 May 23
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Amazon has had negative free cash flow but is worth $1T, proving traditional valuation models may not apply.
  2. Dr. Gupta's AI healthcare system has received positive feedback with interest for nationwide deployment, highlighting the need for innovative healthcare solutions.
  3. Lilly's Mounjaro product showed impressive sales potential, indicating a shift in the pharmaceutical industry.

How a former 60 Minutes producer raised six figures in donations to launch an LGBTQ-focused media outlet

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. Spencer Macnaughton started Uncloseted Media to focus on investigative journalism that looks deep into anti-LGBTQ discrimination. He believes there's a real need for this kind of reporting.
  2. He raised a significant amount of money from wealthy donors to launch his nonprofit news outlet. This shows that people are willing to support quality journalism with a focused mission.
  3. Macnaughton, who worked for 60 Minutes and the Wall Street Journal, left those jobs because he wanted to uncover the hidden forces that influence anti-LGBTQ movements, rather than just reporting on surface issues.

New Recordings Point to Smear by Los Angeles Times Columnist Michael Hiltzik

The DisInformation Chronicle • 380 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Michael Hiltzik, a columnist, has been accused of unethical behavior in his journalism, particularly related to COVID-19 vaccine injuries. This raises concerns about the integrity of the information being shared.
  2. Dr. Danice Hertz and Brianne Dressen, both of whom suffered from vaccine injuries, highlight that their experiences are often dismissed and labeled unfairly, emphasizing the need for more open dialogue and research into vaccine side effects.
  3. The reactions and symptoms reported by these individuals are real and significant, stressing the importance of informed consent and proper medical attention for those who experience adverse reactions to vaccines.

American Eagle 5342 and the Worst Club There Is

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. The crash of American Eagle flight 5342 was sudden, giving passengers only a couple of seconds to react before impact. This highlights how quickly disasters can occur in aviation.
  2. The author reflects on a past aviation incident involving their father, suggesting that experiencing a longer fall can be more agonizing for those on board.
  3. Overall, the piece touches on the complexities and emotional toll associated with air disasters and the personal connections many have to such tragedies.

The diminishing returns of commodity news content

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. News content that simply repeats information is losing its value. Outlets need to focus more on original reporting and deep analysis to stay relevant.
  2. Many successful YouTube journalists started at Vox, where they learned to tell stories creatively through video. Their experience helps them connect better with online audiences.
  3. Artists have mixed feelings about AI. Some feel it steals their work, but others see it as a helpful tool to create faster and tackle misinformation quickly.

Buzzfeed, Gawker, and the end of the 2010s

Read Max • 4162 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. The 2010s are still recent and it's unclear what cultural trends from that decade will last.
  2. The digital media landscape changed in the 2010s with the rise and fall of publications like Buzzfeed and Gawker.
  3. The shift from ad-based revenue to subscriptions signals a new direction for digital media.

Mainstream media also has audience capture

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Mainstream media has higher standards but still faces declining trust and increased criticism from the public. People seem to prefer media that closely matches their political beliefs.
  2. As media costs go down, more specialized outlets emerge, often catering to narrower political viewpoints. This fragmentation shifts mainstream media to become more partisan over time.
  3. The mainstream media wants to appeal to a broad audience but struggles because their original audience is drifting away to more extreme and specialized sources. This leads to an 'audience capture' effect.

Google throws publishers a bone

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Journalism
  1. Google's Discover feature is helping some publishers offset losses from search traffic. This shift shows that not all platforms are the same and offers a small boost to those adapting.
  2. Ghost, a publishing platform, has hit a milestone with over $100 million in subscription revenue. This highlights the growing importance of independent platforms for publishers.
  3. The growing popularity of IMAX theaters is great for premium experiences, but it could hurt traditional cinemas. It's a tricky balance between offering luxury options and keeping it affordable for everyone.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 216: Sharyl Attkisson

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. An experienced investigative reporter will explain how major newsrooms can shape, steer, or quietly bury stories and how “consensus” narratives are often manufactured.
  2. Pharmaceutical interests can influence media narratives and scientific debate, which can obscure information and sway public health policy.
  3. Independent reporting is essential to expose these pressures, and there is an active petition urging the Senate to repudiate harmful COVID-era policies while protecting bodily autonomy, free speech, and limits on emergency powers.

So Long, Tucker.

SHERO • 550 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Fox News abruptly fired Tucker Carlson, its highest rated news host, possibly due to the Dominion settlement and associated costs.
  2. The decision to let go of Tucker Carlson was likely a result of weighing the risks and benefits, indicating calculated corporate decision-making.
  3. Tucker Carlson's pattern of lying, even about minor details, may have led to his dismissal from Fox News.

Panic In The Newsroom

Teaching computers how to talk • 89 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. AI news assistants often get things wrong, with nearly half of their summaries showing big mistakes. That means people who read them might be misinformed.
  2. Even when AI summaries are inaccurate, many people still trust them because they seem professional. This can harm the reputation of actual news sources.
  3. There's a real worry about deepfakes and AI spreading false information, especially as the technology gets better. It's important to educate everyone on how to spot misinformation before it spreads.

Disappearing media

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Authors write books to be part of a bigger conversation and gain media coverage for visibility and sales.
  2. Traditional media outlets are struggling, with many layoffs and declining trust from the public.
  3. Emerging digital media has not yet reached the employment levels of traditional journalism, and news trust among the American public is low and declining.