Death, taxes, and layoffs

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Hey honeys and hustlers,

Every time I see an announcement for media layoffs, I think, “Surely, this time, they’ll get it right.” Sarcasm aside, even my lovely wit can’t keep me sane when I see more and more journalists unceremoniously fired from their jobs. Traditional media companies have continued their seemingly endless cycle of layoffs, with Business Insider recently laying off 21% of its workforce. In Touch, Life & Style, First for Women, and Closer - all magazine owned by McClatchy Media - are shuttering their doors at the end of this month. We're witnessing not just the end of an era, but the beginning of a new one. An era defined by creator-led journalism, when we desperately need so many remnants of journalistic rigor and reporting to keep us informed, thinking critically, and accountable.

Hey, I’m Angela! 👋🏾 And if you’re new here, welcome! I write about creativity at the intersections of entrepreneurship, storytelling, and community. This article is part of a series I’m starting that analyzes the relationship between creators and journalists. Media literacy for consumers feels like it’s at an all-time low, while media literacy for creators feels like it’s at an all-time high. I’m hoping that through this series, we can find a path forward in media that makes space for the middle-class creator who builds a career with integrity.

These layoffs, while devastating for the industry, are catalyzing a transformation in journalism. Experienced journalists, armed with both institutional knowledge and digital platforms, are increasingly turning to independent forms of journalism. This acknowledgement of this transition isn't just about individual journalists going solo (whether forced or by choice) - it's about reimagining how news and analysis reach audiences. Creator-journalists who can combine journalistic rigor with digital-native storytelling will likely lead this evolution. Creator-led journalism isn’t limited to written content. It also incorporates video, audio podcasts, or social-first storytelling formats to meet audiences where they are and achieve profitability.

The barriers between "creator" and "journalist" are dissolving. Independent journalists can build direct relationships with their audiences, diversifying their revenue streams beyond traditional advertising models (and let’s face it, media outlets were losing that fight to Google and Meta by a long shot). It’s been great to see niche expertise become more valuable than general coverage, even though creators of all kinds benefit from being generalists to start. As traditional media continues its transformation, the opportunity for thoughtful, rigorous creator-journalists has never been greater. The key will be maintaining the best of traditional journalism while embracing the innovations in audience support led by the creator economy.

For creators stepping into journalistic roles, this shift comes with both opportunities and responsibilities. In some ways, I count myself in this number, and not just because I subscribe to Journalists Pay Themselves (though it was lovely seeing my name in their recent article). Deep dive profiles of creators, editorial takes on trending news topics in the creator industry, podcast interviews with entrepreneurs, and many other formats that I create were inspired by and have roots in traditional journalism. I’ve definitely had to work at maintaining editorial standards while building my personal and media brand. Part of that work is finding a health balance between community engagement, audience growth, and a sustainable business model that doesn’t compromise my integrity and relationship with facts. So much of being a creator is figuring out how to add elements of my personality, lived experience, and perspective into my work. When companies are seemingly betting on more AI-powered creativity, I feel that my humanity and ability to communicate my humanity are my greatest assets. The question isn’t whether or not audiences want creator-led journalism or AI-led journalism. The question is how creators will work alongside journalists to set the standard for creator-led journalism and working conditions that benefit the sustainability of our industry.