A business model for local news that works.
From news to investigative journalism to sports to food, local publishers are building healthy, sustainable businesses on Substack by going deep on what their readers care about, right in their own backyards.
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“The reason I'm able to do this newsletter is because of a platform like Substack. I can just go and write my newsletter. I don't have to worry about the other stuff.”
Tammy Purcell, Engage Louisa
Start a publication with no overhead.
It’s free to sign up and start publishing. Cover a place or beat with zero startup expenses, and no tech or design costs.
You own everything. You always will.
The subscription model guarantees editorial independence. Publishers on Substack build businesses on their own terms.
The smaller the beat, the bigger the opportunity.
While newsrooms drop specialized coverage, Substack publications that go niche are building communities of superfans. There are endless ways to become a must-read in the place you care about.
Get paid to do what you love.
Substack's business model is simple: we make money when you make money. Substack takes 10% from paid subscription revenue, incentivizing us to drive new paid subscribers to discover your publication. There are no monthly fees, and no tiers.
“There's a freedom in justifying coverage of something because it seems to make sense for readers to know, without running every idea through a chain of command and story budgeting process.”
Dave Bangert, Based in Lafayette, IN
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Local publishers are thriving on Substack.

“Substack has allowed me to build a real community alongside the newsletter. One of my favorite features is the Gazette chat, where readers can jump in at any time to share neighborhood intel—from great stoop finds and apartment listings to how long the line is at the neighborhood's busiest bakery.”
Jacqueline, Grand Army Gazette
Start your local publication now.
It takes only a minute and zero overhead to get started. Whatever your beat — city hall, high school football, the best taco spot in town — there's an audience for it.
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