Besides resisting news censorship in the face of rising facism, there’s plenty of good reasons to make newsletters a bigger part of your media strategy. 

Among other reasons:

• An increasing number of readers are relying on them to understand what’s happening in the world. 
• BIPOC and progressive journalists, including some of the biggest voices in media, are flocking to platforms like Substack or beehiiv. 
• Even traditional news outlets increasingly rely on newsletter authors’ reporting, many of whom are now among the first journalists to break a story. 
• They’re (usually) free from corporate oversight, meaning that these reporters are able to choose the topics they wish to write about, all without worrying about censorship from up top
• Most importantly, newsletters reach niche audiences who really care about a specific issue. 

But they can’t survive without you

The best way to ensure that independent media survives for years to come? A paid subscription. If you find that you value an outlet’s work, spring for a monthly subscription. Many, many newsletters will offer exclusive subscriber benefits, including premium-only articles or even access to their comment section. 

Getting on their radar

Next time you have a story to pitch, do some digging and find a newsletter relevant to the work you do. Inbox Reads is one good place to start.

You’ll then want to subscribe to the outlets you have your eye on. We recommend reading previous issues to get a sense of the reporter’s approach as well. Note, however, that some outlets may only allow access to previous issues with a premium subscription. 

As PR expert Michael Smart recommends, connecting with a newsletter author can be as simple as simply replying to one of their emails. 

Along with sending press releases and pitches, you could try offering informational get-to-know-you-chats between them and one of your expert spokespeople. However, just remember: these outlets are often one-person shows. Meaning, it may take some time (and frequent touch-bases) before they’re able to get back to you.

A Caveat

Just note: Substack does have a history of platforming right-wing extremist voices. This means that not only are many authors jumping ship to other platforms, such as beehiiv, but you may want to consider an alternative platform if you decide to start a newsletter of your own.

(Some of) Our Favorite Newsletters

Daily News

• Popular Information
  • Judd Legum, former editor of ThinkProgress, provides daily news and analysis that seeks to hold our leaders and corporations accountable. 
• Handbasket
  • Up-and-coming reporter Marisa Kabas has been on the frontlines of breaking stories like DOGE’s cuts and ICE’s raids, now often one of the first reporters on the scene.

1st Amendment and Intellectual Freedom

• Open Windows
  • After resigning from the Washington Post after an cartoon critical of Jeff Bezos was censored by the Editorial department, editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes now provides her sharp-eyed commentary on the current political climate on her own terms. 
• In Struggle
  • Andrew Lee’s newsletter focuses on grassroots efforts across the world to resist fascism and build community.

Palestine

• Drop Site
  • Drop Site’s reporters provide an unflinching look at Israel’s genocide upon Palestine. 
• Zeteo
  • Founded by former MSNBC commentator Mehdi Hasan, Zeteo no only has been shining light upon Palestinians’ fight for survival but also offers broad conversations on 

Racial Justice

• Footnotes
  • Historian Jemar Tisby writes powerfully about power, faith, identity, race, and justice in America, calling out injustice across culture. 

Immigration

• Austin Kocher
  • In an uncertain time for immigrant communities across the US, reporter and immigration expert Austin Kocher provides valuable context on issues including the truth behind what’s happening at ICE.

Economic Justice

• Family Values @ Work
  • Focuses on issues affecting workers and their families, from paid family and medical leave to childcare. 

Popular Culture

• User Mag
  • Taylor Lorenz, a tech and culture reporter and author, digs deep into the intersection of social media and today’s political landscape. 
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Celebrated author, thought leader and former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explores the intersection between social justice, politics and, yes, sports. 

LGBTQ

• Erin in the Morning
  • Journalist Erin Reed shines light on the far right’s attempts to erase trans people and how communities across the country, and even world, are resisting. 
• Good Queer News
  • The world gets a bit heavy at times but Ben Greene’s lovely newsletter highlights uplifting stories of queer and trans folx embracing community and resiliency. 

Reproductive Justice

• Abortion, Every Day
  • Dedicated to reproductive freedom, Jessica Valenti not only tracks anti-choice legislation but gives people the context they need to understand how anti-choice laws affect them and their communities. 

Share your thoughts 

The state of social media is changing every day, and these are just a few options that might work for your organization. Let us know — what newsletters do you love?