AJC Layoffs: Is Substack the Future of News?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) just announced another round of layoffs, and morale is lower than the Chattahoochee River after a drought. While everyone’s scrambling to update their LinkedIn profiles, I’m quietly doubling down on Substack. Is chasing traditional media fame even worth it anymore, or is it a fool’s errand in 2026? This beginner’s guide to and slightly contrarian. perspective will help you decide if the “old” or “new” model is right for you.

Let’s be honest: the news industry is a dumpster fire. I saw it firsthand. After graduating from the University of Georgia’s Grady College – a supposed pipeline to journalistic glory – I landed a coveted internship at a mid-sized paper in Macon. I was thrilled! Until I realized “coveted” meant “unpaid,” and my duties largely involved fetching coffee and fact-checking press releases. The dream quickly faded. I then went on to work at a local news station. I was on call 24/7, chasing ambulances near Northside Hospital and trying to make city council meetings sound interesting. The pay barely covered my rent in Midtown.

My breaking point came last year. A seasoned investigative reporter, someone I deeply admired, was let go after 20 years of service. His crime? He was “too expensive.” He had a family to feed, a mortgage in Decatur, and suddenly, he was out on the street. It was a wake-up call. I realized that relying solely on a traditional media outlet for my livelihood was a risky proposition. The AJC’s recent struggles are just further proof.

So, what’s the alternative? For me, it’s been building my own platform. It’s about embracing the “creator economy” and carving out a niche where I can deliver valuable content directly to an audience who appreciates it. And that, my friends, is where Substack comes in.

What is Substack, Anyway?

At its core, Substack is a platform that allows writers to create and distribute email newsletters. Think of it as a blog meets an email marketing service. You write articles, publish them on Substack, and subscribers receive them directly in their inboxes. Some writers offer their content for free, while others charge a subscription fee. The beauty of Substack lies in its simplicity and its direct connection between writer and reader. You bypass the gatekeepers and build a loyal following based on your unique voice and expertise.

But here’s where the contrarian part comes in. Many established journalists scoff at Substack. They see it as a lesser form of journalism, a playground for amateurs. They cling to the traditional notion of “objectivity” and “impartiality,” while Substack embraces personality and opinion. They believe in institutional backing and editorial oversight, while Substack champions independence and individual voice.

And honestly? I think they’re missing the point. Objectivity is a myth. Every journalist has biases, conscious or unconscious. The illusion of impartiality is often just a way to maintain the status quo. On Substack, you can be upfront about your perspective. You can write with passion, with conviction, with a point of view. And that, in my experience, resonates with readers. A Pew Research Center study found that people are increasingly drawn to news sources that align with their own beliefs. Substack allows you to cater to a specific audience and build a community around shared values.

Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, so you’re intrigued. But where do you begin? Here’s a streamlined guide based on my own experience:

1. Define Your Niche: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. What are you passionate about? What expertise do you possess? I chose to focus on local Atlanta news with a critical, solutions-oriented lens. Think hyper-local: maybe you cover development projects in the Old Fourth Ward, or the restaurant scene along Buford Highway.
2. Set Up Your Account: Head over to Substack and create an account. It’s free to start. Choose a name that reflects your niche and your personality. Upload a professional-looking profile picture.
3. Start Writing: Don’t overthink it. Just start writing. Aim for consistency. Publish at least once a week. Experiment with different formats: news analysis, interviews, opinion pieces, personal essays.
4. Build Your Email List: This is crucial. Offer a free subscription to entice people to sign up. Promote your Substack on social media, on your website, and in your email signature. Engage with your readers in the comments section.
5. Consider Paid Subscriptions: Once you’ve built a solid following, consider offering paid subscriptions. Provide exclusive content, such as in-depth reports, behind-the-scenes analysis, or access to a private community.

I started my Substack in January 2025. For the first three months, I published twice a week, offering free content. I wrote about everything from the BeltLine expansion to the mayoral election, always with a critical eye. I shared my Substack on LinkedIn and Facebook (even though I said not to mention them earlier). I even printed out flyers and posted them around Little Five Points. By April, I had 500 subscribers. I then introduced a paid subscription option, offering exclusive interviews and analysis. To my surprise, 50 people signed up immediately. Now, a year later, I have over 2,000 subscribers, with 200 paying members. It’s not enough to quit my day job (yet!), but it’s a significant source of supplemental income and, more importantly, it gives me a sense of creative freedom that I never experienced in traditional media.

The Contrarian Twist: Why It Works (and Why It Might Not)

Here’s what nobody tells you: Substack is not a guaranteed path to riches. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to put yourself out there. It’s also not for everyone. If you crave the structure and security of a traditional newsroom, Substack might not be the right fit. If you’re uncomfortable expressing your own opinions, you might struggle to find an audience.

But if you’re willing to embrace the uncertainty and the challenge, Substack can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to build a direct relationship with your readers, to create content that truly resonates with them, and to earn a living doing what you love. It’s a chance to be your own boss, to set your own agenda, and to shape your own narrative. The Columbia Journalism Review has published several pieces debating the ethics and long-term viability of platforms like Substack, and it’s worth reading those critiques. But in my view, the benefits outweigh the risks.

One major benefit? Financial control. I had a client last year, a former AJC photographer named David, who lost his job after 15 years. He felt lost. He didn’t know where to turn. I suggested he start a Substack showcasing his photography and telling the stories behind his images. He was hesitant at first. He didn’t think anyone would pay for his work. But he gave it a try. He started offering prints for sale through his Substack. He ran online photography workshops. Within six months, he was earning more than he had at the AJC. He controlled his income. He set his own prices. He was free.

Of course, there are downsides. You’re responsible for everything: writing, editing, marketing, customer service. It can be overwhelming. And you have to be prepared to deal with criticism and trolls. The internet can be a nasty place. But the rewards – the creative freedom, the financial independence, the connection with your audience – are well worth the effort.

Looking Ahead: The Future of News

I believe that Substack and similar platforms represent the future of news. The traditional media model is broken. It’s too reliant on advertising revenue, too beholden to corporate interests, and too slow to adapt to the changing needs of its audience. Independent journalists, armed with their own platforms and their own voices, are poised to disrupt the industry and create a more vibrant, diverse, and engaging news ecosystem.

Will it be easy? Absolutely not. But is it worth trying? I think so. The news needs new blood, new ideas, and new voices. Substack provides a platform for those voices to be heard. The old model is dying (or at least, severely wounded). The future is independent, and it’s time to embrace it.

Consider that media trust continues to plummet, indicating readers are seeking alternatives. It’s also important to remember that narrative journalism can save local news, offering a compelling reason to explore Substack.

So, ditch the resume, fire up your laptop, and start writing. The future of news might just depend on it. Instead of waiting for the next round of layoffs, take control of your career and build something of your own. Start small, be consistent, and find your voice. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.