Journalism isn’t just old-school newspapers and stuffy newsrooms anymore — it’s thriving in so many different ways. And one of those ways is via Substack. If you haven’t heard of Substack before (I was only recently made aware of it), it’s basically a platform where readers can subscribe to digital newsletters that will be sent right to their email inboxes. And while email newsletters are far from new, Substack has taken the medium to a whole new level.
For writers, Substack provides a platform to send out their content easily to anyone who is interested in it, giving them a free platofrm to talk about anything their heart desires, or tell any story they feel needs to be told. (As a writer, I really love this idea, and am currently brainstorming ideas for my own Substack). As a reader, it is also a really easy way to cater the content you receive to your interests and goals, because you can really find a little bit of everything on the platform. It’s also free to use for both readers and writers, although some writers may choose to monetize their content by creating a paywall that requires users to buy a subscription before viewing their content.
Substack is great for so many things — from reading hot takes on celeb gossip to discovering new recipes — but IMO, one of the coolest uses of this platform is to discover new and up-and-coming journalists who are sharing their information, interviews, and investigations for the world to learn from and enjoy, covering everything from politics and culture to niche internet trends, all while building their own communities of engaged readers.
In a time when influencers are seen as the arbiters of information, supporting real journalism, especially from Gen Z, is more important than ever.
So, if you are looking to find Gen Z journalists to follow on Substack, here are some of their pages to subscribe to.
The Up & Up by Rachel Janfaza
Rachel Janfaza is a journalist who has made a name for herself by reporting on her own generation: Gen Z. In her newsletter, she explores the political and cultural aspects of Gen Z, from their voting choices to work habits.
Emma Christley Writes By Emma Christley
Perfect for all of the music lovers out there, this newsletter covers new album reviews every week! The author details albums that are “new to her,” so the albums are a mix of music from all time periods, which is pretty cool. She also reports on things that are happening in the music and pop culture world.
Peekko by Natalie Santini
If you’re looking for a newsletter all about marketing and brands, this newsletter is the place to look. It’s focused on a bunch of things related to the business world, especially in regard to social media and how it has affected marketing and culture, sharing different examples of brand partnerships and how effective they are, as well as career advice.
Kyla’s Newsletter by Kyla Scanlon
Economics expert Kyla Scanlon uses her newsletter to break down complicated topics like crypto and macroeconomics, often through a lens of current events and the human experience. Read this one if you want to feel smarter.
Formula Flash by Olivia Hicks
If you love motorsports, this Formula 1 newsletter will be right up your alley (racetrack?). Author Olivia Hicks is a motorsport and environmental journalist who is dedicated to reporting on her topics of choice, and she even wrote an article about the difference between journalists and influencers that is a must-read in this day and age.
Who Do You Know? By Jake Bell
Focused on all things business and culture updates, Who Do You Know? by Jake Bell is a daily newsletter that specializes in new and emerging companies and current trends in the business world, especially regarding men’s fashion and restaurants. This would be another cool one to follow if you’re interested in getting into the business world.
Dakléshelleng by Yakubu Dakleshelleng Musa
Written by an early-career journalist based in Nigeria, Dakléshelleng covers the media and entertainment landscape in Africa that demonstrates the writer’s deep commitment to journalism and storytelling.
trademarked by Tariro Makoni
This newsletter is a twice-weekly one, and is all about consumer culture, so this is another great one for people interested in business or marketing. The author talks about fashion and beauty and its relation to the economy and sociology, and the author describes her content as if “your WSJ uncle and Goop aunt just had a (zillennial) baby.”