By Joe Forrest in Minimalist Creation — 09 Feb 2025

Indie News and How to Do It

Start a local indie news organization.

Independent local news matters.

Our hometowns are way more than just places on a map—they’re our communities. They hold our routines, neighbors, and stories that never make big headlines. But with traditional newspapers getting thinner and local stations cutting corners, it’s up to community-minded folks to fill in the gaps. Independent local news outlets can help people stay in the loop, bring folks together, and encourage everyone to speak up on important issues.

What Makes Local Journalism Special
Unlike massive national outlets, local journalism focuses on everyday stories—from community board meetings to the new food truck on Main Street. When local news works well, it keeps everyone honest, showcases the heart of a town or region, and makes it easy for residents to feel connected.

Shifts in the Local News Landscape
News has moved online. Big papers have struggled to keep up, so more and more people look to email newsletters, local blogs, and digital-first platforms. These nimble operations don’t have the overhead of old-school newsrooms, so they can cover smaller stories in greater detail and keep costs manageable.

Starting Your Own Local News Publication

Pick a format: Decide if you want a daily or weekly newsletter, a blog, a podcast, or a mix. Think about how your neighbors prefer to get their information.
Keep it simple: It’s tempting to go big, but the best local news often starts small—covering the stuff people really care about, consistently.
Engage your community: Invite feedback. Ask people what they want to read about. Maybe they’ll send tips about events or local issues.
Stay consistent: Make a clear schedule so your readers know what to expect. Weekly? Twice a month? Stick to it.

Monetizing Local News

Memberships: Let readers support your reporting directly. Offer them extra perks—early access to stories, behind-the-scenes updates, or an exclusive Q&A.
Subscriptions: A tiered model can work. Maybe free content for everyone, plus paid tiers for those who want more in-depth stories.
Ads and sponsorships: Local businesses might sponsor newsletters or websites—just keep a balance so ads don’t overshadow your actual news.
Events: Host local events—online or in person. Panel discussions, Q&As with city officials, or community gatherings can bring in ticket revenue and build connections.

Tips to Stand Out

Write with clarity: Don’t go overboard with industry lingo. Keep your language relaxed and readable.
Make it personal: If something newsworthy happens down the street, mention your own experiences. That helps readers feel connected.
Investigate: Sometimes bigger stories hide behind local topics—like environmental concerns, shady real estate deals, or school board dramas. Shine a light on these, and your readers will trust your publication for truth.
Go beyond politics: Mix things up. Share profiles of community leaders, local artists, nonprofits, and interesting neighbors. That variety keeps people coming back.

Why Ghost Helps
Ghost is a platform where you can run your newsletter, memberships, and subscriptions all in one spot. It’s straightforward, has built-in tools for subscription payments, and comes with themes to design a clean, easy-to-navigate site. You don’t need a huge tech background to get started, and because it’s open-source, you can customize it if you want to.

Sign up and set up: Open an account on Ghost, pick a design, fill in your details.
Launch a newsletter or blog: Start publishing your local stories.
Offer membership: Let the community support you directly.
Grow and experiment: Host events, launch more sections, or partner with local orgs.

A Quick Recap
In many places, local news is fading away, but there’s a real need for it. By starting an independent local news site or newsletter, you give your neighbors a place to learn, talk, and get engaged. Tools like Ghost make it simpler to launch, run, and even make money from it.

So if you’ve got a passion for local stories and want to make a difference, now’s the time. Kick off that blog or newsletter, invite your community to jump in, and watch as your local reporting grows into something that truly matters.