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New Muck Rack Report Finds One in Three Journalists Now Publish Independently

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 10:20 GMT by Toronto Star
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One‑In‑Three Journalists Now Publish Independently, New Muck Rack Report Finds

A recent study by media‑tech firm Muck Rack has revealed a dramatic shift in the publishing habits of professional journalists. According to the report, roughly 34 % of reporters surveyed are now publishing stories through independent platforms rather than traditional news organizations. The data, released by The GlobeNewswire in a press release distributed via the Star, underscores the growing trend of “independent journalism” and signals a major reconfiguration of how news is created, distributed, and monetized.

Key Findings

The Muck Rack report surveyed 1,200 journalists across North America, Europe, and Australia, capturing their current publishing channels, motivations for independence, and perceived benefits and challenges. The most striking statistic is the 33 % of respondents who report regularly contributing to independent outlets—whether through personal blogs, freelance networks, or paid‑subscription services such as Substack, Patreon, or Medium.

Other salient points from the report include:

• Career Trajectory: 46 % of independent journalists had previously worked for mainstream media outlets. The majority (58 %) had left due to “creative constraints” or “lack of editorial freedom.”
• Financial Viability: While 72 % of independent reporters rely on a mix of sponsorships, subscriptions, and one‑off freelance gigs, only 38 % reported earnings that matched or surpassed their former staff salaries.
• Audience Reach: Independent journalists cited a wider, more niche audience as a key advantage, with 63 % claiming that their stories reach a highly engaged readership that is less accessible through traditional newsrooms.
• Content Focus: A trend toward hyper‑specialization emerged, with 47 % of independent reporters focusing on topics such as technology policy, climate justice, or investigative reporting that may not fit mainstream editorial calendars.

Voices Behind the Numbers

The study’s lead analyst, Laura Patel, emphasized that “the rise of independent journalism is not a sign of decline in mainstream media, but rather an evolution in how stories are produced and consumed.” Patel noted that “independent reporters often enjoy a higher degree of editorial control, allowing them to pursue long‑form investigative pieces that would otherwise be cut for commercial reasons.”

A representative from the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) echoed similar sentiments, saying the shift highlights the need for new business models that reward depth and quality over speed. “Independent journalism is proving that audiences value in‑depth, well‑researched content,” the representative said. “We must explore how to support such efforts through sustainable funding mechanisms.”

Independent Platforms on the Rise

The report examined several popular platforms that facilitate independent publishing:

• Substack: The email‑subscription service, famously used by former New York Times writer Andrew Sullivan, now hosts more than 15,000 writers. Muck Rack reports that Substack’s direct‑to‑reader revenue model has attracted reporters who wish to avoid corporate gatekeeping.
• Patreon: This patron‑support system allows journalists to receive recurring income from fans. The study noted that 28 % of independent reporters use Patreon as their primary funding source.
• Medium: Although owned by a for‑profit company, Medium’s partner program pays writers based on readership engagement. The report found that Medium remains a preferred platform for journalists seeking a broader audience without the need for a personal website.
• Personal Blogs and Newsletters: Roughly 13 % of independent journalists operate fully self‑hosted blogs, backed by self‑funding or external sponsors.

Implications for the News Ecosystem

The Muck Rack findings raise important questions about the future of journalism:

1. Quality Control: As more reporters publish outside of editorial oversight, ensuring factual accuracy and ethical standards becomes more complex. Independent journalists must establish transparent fact‑checking procedures to maintain credibility.
2. Economic Sustainability: While some reporters achieve financial success through subscriptions and sponsorships, the majority remain precariously balanced. The industry must devise new funding models, perhaps through cooperative publishing or public‑sector grants, to support independent voices.
3. Audience Fragmentation: A proliferation of independent outlets could fragment audiences, reducing the reach of critical national reporting. Media consumers may face “echo chambers” that reinforce specific viewpoints.
4. Talent Migration: Traditional newsrooms might experience a talent drain as experienced reporters leave for autonomy. However, they could also benefit from a “talent pool” of seasoned writers who bring independent experience back into mainstream institutions.

The Role of Muck Rack

Muck Rack, a media‑relations analytics platform, has positioned itself as a key player in tracking the evolving media landscape. By collecting data from journalists’ profiles, social media presence, and publishing histories, the firm provides actionable insights to both reporters and organizations. Their report serves not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a call to action for stakeholders to rethink the economics and ethics of journalism in a digital age.

Moving Forward

Industry analysts suggest that the rise of independent journalism is here to stay. They recommend that traditional media adapt by offering hybrid models—such as “freelance‑in‑house” agreements or flexible editorial slots—so that reporters can retain some editorial control while benefiting from newsroom resources. Meanwhile, independent journalists are encouraged to collaborate with like‑minded peers, share best practices, and pursue diversified revenue streams to mitigate risk.

The Muck Rack report underscores a critical juncture in the media world: the choice between corporate gatekeeping and individual agency. As one‑third of journalists now choose independent publication, the industry faces the challenge of nurturing these voices without compromising the democratic function of the press.

This article summarizes the findings of the Muck Rack report as presented in a press release distributed by The GlobeNewswire and reported by The Star.