Independent publishers set the agenda

In 2026, journalism will lean even more toward independent publishing, with small outlets like The Preamble and individual, seasoned journalists using platforms such as Substack and social media to set the agenda rather than react to it. This shift will not replace legacy media, but meaningfully erode its gatekeeping power and push the industry toward more independent thought leadership and community-funded reporting.

Independent newsletters and micro-outlets will position themselves as nimble “explainers,” turning complex stories into regular, conversational coverage that feels closer to a trusted local editor than a distant national desk. Independent journalists can focus on a clear niche — local politics, education, climate, tech, justice, culture — and stay with it long enough to understand its complex history, stakeholders, and data. Publishing explainers, FAQs, and follow-ups that simplify complex issues without dumbing them down signals competence and care for audience understanding. Over time, this consistency turns the journalist into a go-to reference, making subscribers more likely to support and defend their work publicly.

On social platforms, 2026 will see more journalists use live video, short clips, and threaded explainers not only to promote stories but also to showcase their reporting process in real-time. This transparency — posting documents, field videos, and “here’s what I’m diving into next” updates — will help rebuild trust with audiences that are skeptical of institutions but still hungry for credible information.

Journalists who choose to go this route will be successful if they respond thoughtfully to comments, especially criticism, show respect and openness rather than defensiveness, publish consistently, and set clear expectations (what to expect weekly; what topics are in or out of scope), which will help audiences see the journalist as authoritative and reliable.