Research
What We're Building & Studying
Project C doesn't just teach journalists how to go independent — we're tracking the ecosystem as it grows.
The Independent Journalism Atlas
A living map and database of 1,400+ verified creator-journalists — organized by beat, platform, and geography. Independent journalism didn't disappear. It's moving. Co-founded with Ryan Darnell.
Visit the Atlas →
US Indie Info Providers: Professionally Diverse, Mission-driven, Sometimes Lonely, Rarely Earning Profit
A first look at the people shaping independent information in the United States — and the challenges keeping most of them from breaking even. Project C contributed recruitment, field knowledge, and expertise to this landmark study by the Center for News, Technology & Innovation.
Read the report →The Rise of the Creator-Journalist
A 2026 study examining how independent video journalists are making the creator model work — and why they're not just a trend, but an integral part of the future of news.
Read the report → In partnership with Medill's Local News InitiativeThe Media Ecosystem Chicago
A deep dive into Chicago's expansive media landscape, applying Project C's News Ecosystem Framework to a specific market for the first time — and uncovering 100 previously unindexed sources.
Read the report →The Top 50 Creator Journalists
An annual list of the independent journalists doing the most interesting, influential, and sustainable work in the creator model. Our first list launched in 2025.
See the list →News Ecosystem Map
An interactive map showing how the current news landscape is structured — who's filling which roles, where the gaps are, and how creator journalism fits in.
Explore the map →
Press Forward Chicago
Press
In the News
Interviews, features, and coverage of Project C in the press.
Also featured in
Van traditioneel journalist naar een eigen community: Liz Kelly Nelson pleit voor meer journalistieke creators
Understanding creator journalism with Liz Kelly Nelson, founder of Project C
Creator infrastructure will define journalism's next chapter
Trust in mainstream media is at rock bottom. Can it be fixed?
Why Influencers Matter to the Future of Local Media
The new 'army' of journalists: Creators and influencers impact our industry
JSK Journalism Fellowship Welcomes Three New Board Members
New Terker Distinguished Fellows to Bring Media and Strategy Expertise to GW
The Long Peak of Newsletters
How Ezra Klein's YouTube makeover points to podcasting's TV future
News Organizations Are Starting to Embrace Creator-Model Journalists
Noosphere and repackaging news for the TikTok generation
Speaking
On the Stage
Panels, keynotes, and symposia on the future of journalism, creator media, and independent news.
Creators and the Future of Journalism: Insights on Infrastructure Building from the US and South Africa
View the programme
What Legacy Media and Digital Content Creators Can Learn From Each Other
Watch on YouTube
Evolving Definitions of Journalists and Journalism in the Era of Influencers
Read the coverage
Who Gets to Be Called a Journalist in 2025?
Watch on YouTubePress
Working on a Story?
Liz is available for interviews, expert commentary, and background conversations on creator journalism, independent media, and the future of news.
Get in touch →Speaking
Book Liz to Speak
Keynotes, panels, and symposia on the creator economy, independent journalism, and what the future of news actually looks like. Reach out to discuss your event.
Send a booking inquiry →