What does it take to make an independent local newsroom work? More than good journalism.

Poynter · Kristen Hare · last updated October 1, 2026 – 5:10 AM

A new study of 112 independent publishers shows just how much local news entrepreneurs have to juggle

There’s no “Field of Dreams” for local independent publishers, no “if you build it, they will come,” where the “it” is powerful, critical journalism and the “they” is subscribers happy to pay for it because they recognize the quality of the product and the necessity of that work for healthy communities.

We’ve known that for a while now.

here today, more tomorrow

We’ve launched briefing.center with a focus on the press and media.

And we’ve added Citizen Cartwright, a daily quick-read news summary by veteran Washington journalist Linda Cartwright. We’ve also created a new voting rights knowledge center for Citizen Cartwright subscribers. (You can sign up for a dedicated morning email at citizencartwright.com.)

You can sign up here for full access to press and media and Citizen Cartwright on briefing.center.

You can use briefing.center as the center of your information management, or just one of your tools. We’re happy to discuss your information needs.