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Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack, has recently begun to share his thoughts on the current state of media.
He asserts, “We are experiencing a major disruption in media akin to the advent of the printing press, which sheds light on everything from societal discord to the present political landscape.”
On his platform, he articulates that “today’s media landscape is characterized by chaos, where the rampant narrative speed of social media fuels political factions that thrive on capturing attention—regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. The focus has shifted dramatically from civic engagement to hashtags and incendiary tweets.”
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Interestingly, McKenzie has a vested interest in framing this media shift as one where Substack plays a pivotal role. Launched in 2017, Substack began as an intriguing option for writers seeking independence.
However, the political climate during Trump’s presidency, marked by his frequent media appearances and provocative posts, has undeniably nurtured a hostile information environment. His understanding of this dynamic is evident from his numerous appearances on podcasts.
Unlike some prominent figures from the era, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, who have largely steered clear of such platforms, Trump has boldly engaged with various media channels.
We find ourselves in what some are calling the Substack Era, where more journalists and commentators are opting for independence like never before. Once considered the pinnacle of broadcast journalism, traditional television roles are increasingly being seen as constrictive by many in the media.
Chris Wallace, a former colleague from Fox, left CNN after a brief stint and has now taken steps towards independent media, likely involving Substack.
Similarly, Megyn Kelly, after her exit from NBC, launched a successful daily show and podcast, subsequently amassing a significant audience on platforms like YouTube.
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Chuck Todd has also transitioned from a role at NBC, where he hosted “Meet the Press,” to a more independent model. Dan Abrams, upon leaving NewsNation, expressed that the demands of his show were too significant given his other projects, and he is now creating a YouTube channel focusing on his media endeavors.
McKenzie’s key contribution has been in providing a platform that connects writers and podcasters directly with audiences, with Substack taking a percentage of the revenue. This model is attractive even to those who aren’t established media personalities.
There’s a thriving ecosystem for niche publications, enabling creators to manage other professional responsibilities while generating impressive earnings, with numerous Substack users reporting lucrative six-figure incomes.
Notably, many of these creators offer content for free initially or in partial form, with the goal of converting casual readers into paying subscribers.
However, the shift to Substack isn’t always by choice. Chris Cillizza, a former columnist for the Washington Post, candidly shared that his venture into Substack was prompted by job loss at CNN, and he turned to this platform to share his insights while adapting to his new circumstances.
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He stated, “I started this Substack—primarily for myself—to find a platform for my voice during a transformative period of my life as I navigated my new circumstances in politics and beyond.”
He gradually built an audience and engages weekly with Todd, a participation pattern encouraged within Substack’s community.
Research from Casandra Campbell at Really Good Business Ideas highlights 29 popular publications on Substack, featuring figures like former Labor Secretary Robert Reich and filmmaker Michael Moore, indicating the wide-ranging appeal of the platform across different demographics.
Among the leading entries are “Letters from an American,” which boasts a vast subscriber base for its political commentary, and “Broken Palate,” with Moore trailing closely behind. Other notable names include political figures like Allen West and varied niche contributors.
As McKenzie observes, “The current political climate mirrors the chaotic media environment; opponents are not merely engaged but are systematically targeted with scorn.”
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Personally, I subscribe to multiple Substack publications and would consider more, though the costs can add up quickly, with fees ranging significantly per month. This prompts me to weigh the benefits of subscriptions against free alternatives as I navigate this landscape.
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While I may not completely agree with the notion that this represents the most transformative development since the Gutenberg press, there is no doubt that Substack is significantly influencing media and the political environment. Its popularity is testament to a growing desire among journalists and political figures for more authentic connections in an increasingly tumultuous time.
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www.foxnews.com