The Back Indie Media Drive.
Running September 1-30
Creator-model journalism is one of the most exciting spaces in media right now! We invite you to get more involved in the growth of this space by subscribing to these indie publishers and becoming a paid supporter as part of our September drive.
find your new favorite read, watch or listen and become a backer.
We recommend finding ONE publisher to back with your dollars. That’s how we keep indie media going!
All publishers listed here are members of our Creator Journalist Community and they opted in to participate in this Back Indie Media Drive.
food and travel
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food and travel *
The food section
WHO IT’S FOR: Smart eaters curious about the South and its people
The Food Section is a much-needed alternative to the PR-driven coverage of restaurants pumped out by influencers and parroted by legacy publications, but only paying subscribers receive its independent and rigorous food journalism in their inboxes every weekday morning.
Modo di Bere
WHO IT’S FOR: Wine lovers, Language nerds, Travelers, Italophiles
Modo di Bere is a multi-lingual podcast, travel show and magazine about wine, language and travel. Wine writer Rose Thomas Bannister interviews people from all over the world about idioms, drinks, and how to keep regional culture alive—is the answer "With your help?"
GOING PLACES
WHO IT’S FOR: Travelers, ethical travelers, people into world cultures, social justice allies
Created by Yulia Denisyuk, a contributor to Nat Geo, TIME, and the BBC, Going Places cultivates hope in an unjust world through global stories of culture, travel, and resistance. Paid members get curated city guides, creator opportunities, and a member-only newsletter.
Remote queer
WHO IT’S FOR: LGBTQ+ people, Remote workers, Digital nomads
Remote Queer is a newsletter for LGBTQ+ remote workers and digital nomads. We offer resources on visas, taxes, healthcare, and more, for people who want to live or work overseas.
Culture and Comedy
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Culture and Comedy *
reality blurred
WHO IT’S FOR: TV fans, Reality TV lovers, Pop culture fans
Since I started reality blurred almost 25 years ago, it’s been independent, obsessively and critically covering reality TV—reviews and previews, recommendations and news—with unflinching honesty, good humor, and a deep affection for this wacky genre.
Chortle
WHO IT’S FOR: Anyone who chuckles, guffaws, snickers, hoots, or otherwise expresses mirth
Are you laughing enough? Probably not! That’s why there's CHORTLE—we send original humor writing to your email inbox every weekday morning.
Best Evidence
WHO IT’S FOR: True crime consumers, Documentary fans, Cultural crit readers
Best Evidence finds the true crime that's worth your time, across all media, every case from Aileen Wuornos to the Zodiac. Your subscriptions let us do more—reviews, interviews—and pay our freelancers better.
Both are true
WHO IT’S FOR: Unpretentious creatives who frankly need the deadline
Part coworking party, part deranged powerpoint presentation, Both Are True’s BATWRITE is unpretentious structured writing time with your favorite creatives. Come for Alex’s weirdly useful prompts, stay for whatever voodoo makes everyone actually get their stuff done.
Amplify respect
WHO IT’S FOR: LGBTQ+, Writers, Creators, Travelers, People interested in diversity, equity and inclusion
Amplify Respect is "Radiolab for trans people"—relatable LGBTQ+ stories to build empathy and understanding, rooted in respect for people, culture, and ecosystems. If you find it helpful to learn how to talk about a trans family member, how to promote your work as an LGBTQ+ creator, or how to write about trans people respectfully, you should subscribe.
Hater’s Guide to Living well
WHO IT’S FOR: General interest, People interested in social problems, or self awareness, Haters
Each week, we dive into topics that affect us on either personal or society-wide levels. The newsletter combines research, personal experience, and humor to explore why we might hate something, and how to live a little better (and the Friday INS/OUTS are a reader favorite). True hating takes strength, energy, and time—support these efforts!
kineticist
WHO IT’S FOR: Gamers, Pop culture enthusiasts, Pinball fans, Arcade fans
In-depth original writing and reporting on a uniquely American gaming industry with roots tracing back to the 1800s. Blends business with entertainment, pop culture, art, and niche hobbyist communities.
ESC KEY .CO
WHO IT’S FOR: Terminally online pros, Tech skeptics, Marketers, Media workers, Culture observers, Internet nerds, Digital girlies, Girl bosses
ESC KEY .CO by JD Shadel is the only lifestyle newsletter on the internet — delivering curious reporting and sometimes unhinged analysis on how our very online era broke our brains (but we still deserve to enjoy them). Support independent journalism that actually gets the absurdity of modern life, darling, and help us document our collective digital unraveling *but make it drag.*
Continuous Wave
WHO IT’S FOR: Audio, Media, Producers, Academics, Broadcasters, Radio
Continuous Wave newsletter and site exploring the forgotten history of broadcast and all electronic media. Why learn about the accidental business models, power struggles and weird dramas of broadcasting? Because everything is broadcasting. Featuring lively posts by podcast editor Julia Barton and friends.
GEN33
WHO IT’S FOR: Creatives, Culture junkies, Fashion insiders, Music heads, Trend spotters, LatAm nerds, Global tastemakers
GEN33 is the go-to newsletter for stories from Latin America’s creative industries across fashion, music, art, business and tech. Curated in English so you don’t miss what is shaping the region and its top talents influencing the world, from how Bad Bunny broke language barriers and reshaped Latino identity to the particularities of catering to Brazilian luxury shoppers. Expect insights, leading voices and outlooks on the creative industries you will not find anywhere else.
Too much TV
WHO IT’S FOR: TV fans, Streaming viewers, Media industry professionals
A leading independent voice covering television, the streaming industry and the media business. Five daily newsletters per week, along with exclusive reporting, interviews and commentary.
Local News
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Local News *
Stumptown Savings
WHO IT’S FOR: Portland, Oregon, area grocery shoppers
Stumptown Savings is the only news outlet helping Portlanders fight inflation and tariffs at the grocery store. 100% independent, this solo news outlet is helping Portlanders save time and money, and shop smarter. Reader support makes it possible.
The Jiffy
WHO IT’S FOR: People into upstate New York, history, nature, documentaries, antiques, food, human interest stories
The Jiffy is a one-person documentary studio telling curious, cozy stories from upstate New York across video, audio, and the newsletter. Paid support fuels the reporting and unlocks members-only drops, downloads, and discounts on merch!
L.A. TACO
WHO IT’S FOR: Angelenos, Foodies, Immigrants and Friends of Immigrants
L.A. TACO is powered by independent local journalism that celebrates, defends, and documents Los Angeles through food, culture, and hard-hitting reporting you won’t find anywhere else. Becoming a paid member directly funds our reporters and helps keep this work alive and free for the city we love.
Climate and Nature
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Climate and Nature *
Current Flow State
WHO IT’S FOR: Daydreamers, Wanderers, and Crafty tinkerers
Current Flow State treats fly fishing as a creative canvas for life's most interesting explorations, from philosophical river reads to hands-on gear experiments. Supporting our Explorer tier funds the creative projects, accessible education, and community-driven content that helps concentrate casual interest into genuine obsession.
E/lectrify
WHO IT’S FOR: Biz and environment reporters, Students,Consumers and Anyone concerned about clean energy
E/lectrify explores new ways to tell engaging, human and jargon-free stories about the clean energy transition, promote energy literacy and debunk Trump's efforts to ramp up new fossil fuel power plants. It's high-value journalism and story-telling on the front lines of the clean energy information war, not available elsewhere.
Healthcare and Housing
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Healthcare and Housing *
Well Beings
WHO IT’S FOR: Practitioners, providers, and professionals in health and wellness fields
Pride is over, but we're still here: cutting through political noise to deliver the evidence-based reporting on queer and transgender health research, policy developments, and clinical best practices that healthcare providers, LGBTQ+ researchers, and wellness professionals need to advocate effectively for their patients and communities. Upgrade to access our comprehensive research roundups, original reporting, expert interviews, and a downloadable library of guides, worksheets, and resources that keep you informed and empowered in the fight for affirming care.
Bread & Butter
WHO IT’S FOR: First-time buyers, aspiring homeowners, downsizing boomers, DIY-minded renters, Home-service pros, and the Housing Industry
I cover the real stories shaping housing and homeownership, with voices from every corner of the industry. Go paid to join the inner circle: early access, candid Q&As, and shared ideals that help our community feel at home as brands, owners, and people.
Politics
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Politics *
Good Story
WHO IT’S FOR: Journalists, Activists, Storytellers, Writers, People into politics, Media students
good story is a reader-powered newsletter reclaiming nonfiction, journalism, and storytelling as tools of resistance. And a community for people rethinking their relationship to the headlines.
Marianne Dhenin
WHO IT’S FOR: People into politics and environment, Academics, Organizers
Marianne's newsletter features signature reporting on political organizing, climate justice, and disability communities, as well as the occasional detour into historical research and writing. Subscribe now to read their series of interviews with climate advocates working in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Inquisitor
WHO IT’S FOR: Civil society, Angelinos, Nolympians, People from the sports business, People interested in investigative Olympic journalism
The best international investigative source on Olympic politics, corruption & crime, good governance in the Olympic industry and the hosting of mega-events. No bullshit, no propaganda, no copy & paste, just award-winning journalism: exclusively investigative reports, Olympic documents and analyses that you won't find anywhere else.
Words about Work
WHO IT’S FOR: Labor unions, Working people, People into working class politics and community organizing
Words About Work is a newsletter about what it means to work for a living in America, written by independent journalist Mel Buer.
Torched
WHO IT’S FOR: People interested in the Olympics and Megaevents, Angelenos, Nonprofits, Urbanists and Transit Nerds
Torched trains a critical eye on the civic investments and policy decisions that Los Angeles is making in preparation for its megaevent-hosting era, including the 2026 World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and most notably, the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ask Ashlyn
WHO IT’S FOR: News avoiders, People interested in politics
News updates for news avoiders. Want to feel informed about politics, but dread the idea of keeping up with the news? Ask Ashlyn your questions about the news and she’ll fill you in, so you can go on with your day.
Business, Finance and Career
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Business, Finance and Career *
Footnoted
WHO IT’S FOR: Investors, lawyers, academics, accountants, board members
Footnoted uncovers information in SEC filings that nobody else finds. Based on our 20 years of experience, we read between the lines to deliver unique insights that make you a better, more informed investor.
Marketing Junto
WHO IT’S FOR: Marketers, Podcasters, Digital-first people
Every week I put out a newsletter where I highlight an important topic in the marketing and digital space. The first part of the newsletter is free to all, but, below the fold, for paid members is a curated list of interesting articles from the last week with my commentary on each.
Freelance Opportunities!
WHO IT’S FOR: Freelancers, Journalists, Creatives
Make more money from your creative efforts by finding clients in need of your services without doing all of the searching yourself. A subscription gets you access to double the number of opportunities and a private group where new paying opportunities are shared daily.
My Career River
WHO IT’S FOR: People curious about exploring new career options
Curious career navigators, this is for you: join the Career River community for weekly support and inspiration on pursuing nonlinear work journeys. Become a supporting subscriber for instant free access to the Map Your Career River download!
Tech
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Tech *
Lowpass
WHO IT’S FOR: Entertainment industry executives, VR enthusiasts, Streaming service execs
Lowpass covers the intersection of tech and entertainment, including AR / VR, streaming and AI. Subscribers get weekly scoops, news and analysis about what's next for Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
Legal
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Legal *
Court Watch
WHO IT’S FOR: Legal professionals, Reporters, Criminal justice
Court Watch is a news site covering all the most interesting federal court filings, from search warrants, indictments, to everything in between. The goal is to report on overlooked court records and give readers direct access to primary source documents.
Frequently asked questions
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They opted in to participate in this community drive as part of the Project C community. All indie publishers are eligible to join the Project C community. Learn more.
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We recommend choosing ONE to back as a PAID SUBSCRIBER. You can also join the newsletters of any you find interesting. It always helps to spread the word too by telling friends or posting on social media.
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Share this page! Tell people about these publishers! Become a paid subscriber of one or more.
Thanks for your help investing in indie media. -
This drive is now closed for new participants. Stay tuned for the next one on the Project C newsletter!