Project C is the research hub, community, and strategic home for 200+ journalists building sustainable, audience-driven media ventures outside traditional institutions.
Project C isn't just a newsletter. It's research, community, education, and tools — everything journalists need to go independent and thrive.
Weekly analysis of trends, revenue models, platform shifts, and interviews with the journalists leading the creator revolution.
Read Latest →Original research including The Independent Journalism Atlas — mapping the full landscape of creator journalism in America.
Explore Research →A private network of 200+ innovative creator journalists sharing strategies, wins, and hard-won lessons. Slack, events, coaching.
Join Us →An 8-week workshop that equips journalists with the strategy, skills, and confidence to build a sustainable independent venture.
Learn More →Partnering with leading institutions to produce the data and analysis the industry needs to understand where independent journalism is heading.
The most comprehensive mapping of the independent journalism ecosystem in America. 1,100+ creator journalists across every platform, revenue model, and beat. Platforms, revenue models, audience patterns, creator demographics, and the infrastructure powering the movement.
Research Partnerships
A new fellowship partnership exploring the infrastructure and future models that will sustain independent journalism at scale.
Collaborative research on the economics, sustainability, and audience dynamics of creator-model journalism ventures.
Investigating the intersection of local news, philanthropic support, and creator-model journalism in the Chicago media ecosystem.
Research partnership with the nonprofit organization of visual journalists on the role of video in independent creator journalism.
Ongoing research collaboration exploring training, technology, and capacity-building for the next generation of independent journalists.
An international research partnership examining how the creator journalism model is emerging and evolving across global markets.
The first-ever ranking of the most influential journalists working independently across Substack, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. These are the people redefining the role of the press — not just with what they cover, but how they reach and engage the public. Stay tuned for the 2026 list coming this fall.
The active home of 200+ journalists who are serious about building independent media businesses. Strategy sessions, real talk, shared wins, laughs and a few tears — the kind of Slack channel that actually stays at the top of your sidebar.
Daily conversations on strategy, platform changes, revenue tactics, and the realities of going solo.
Monthly sessions with successful creator journalists, media entrepreneurs, and marketing experts.
The Paid Newsletter Playbook, case studies, templates, and tactical guides you can use today.
Live coaching calls to work through your specific challenges with peers who get it.
"The Project C Slack has been a huge win for me. It's now the top Slack channel in my right rail."
"It helps me see that I'm far from alone. And that we're all struggling and succeeding in this weirdly complicated creator economy, even in all stages of growth and monetization."
"Finally hit 100 paid subs! Didn't think I'd be here till sometime next year. This group and trying things Project C has put out, like the indie media drive was huge."
An 8-week intensive workshop for journalists exploring the creator model. Led by industry entrepreneurs, creator journalists, and marketing pros, packed with actionable strategies and proven playbooks.
From content strategy to monetization, audience growth to brand positioning — everything you need to turn your journalism vision into a sustainable, independent venture.
Learn More & Apply →An AI assistant trained on Liz's newsletters, published interviews, conference talks, and original research — including the Rise of the Creator Journalist study and the Medill Chicago media ecosystem report.
Think of it as having a conversation with the collective knowledge of Project C. Ask about revenue models, platform strategy, audience growth, the creator journalism landscape, or anything else on your mind.
CJR sits down with Liz to discuss the rise of creator journalism and what it means for the industry.
Liz's Nieman Lab prediction on the biggest challenge facing independent journalism.
An international perspective on the global implications of the creator journalism movement.
Liz brings the creator journalism conversation to Europe's premier journalism event.
Join Project C and be part of the movement redefining how journalism works, who it serves, and how it sustains itself.
