The creator-journalism space is evolving fast.
That’s why Project C is partnering with the Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI) on a new global research study to better understand the current state of creator-model journalism.
This year, we’ve seen more journalists leave newsrooms – by choice or by layoff – to try to build independent, creator-driven careers. In just the last eight months, the Project C community has grown to 143 journalists (and counting), and the questions we’re all wrestling with there every day are becoming clearer:
How do we grow and sustain audiences in an algorithm-driven world?
How do we make creator work financially viable?
What kinds of training and support are available for us?
What kinds of support, infrastructure, technology or policy changes do we need to make this space sustainable?
Every week, it seems, new players are stepping in to offer solutions – from production support to shared business services to emerging creator funds. That is super hopeful and important, but we still don’t have good data on how creator-model journalism is actually working as a model – what’s thriving, what’s fragile, and what journalists working out there independently really need next.
That’s why Project C and CNTI are fielding this study. This work will give us a comprehensive snapshot of creator-journalists’ motivations, revenue models, tech platforms, and day-to-day realities.
If you’re a journalist working independently in the creator ecosystem, we need you to take this survey. It takes about 10 minutes and participants can enter to win one of two $50 gift cards and we may want to follow up with you for a longer interview if you’re game.
Your responses will directly inform how funders, platforms, and journalism organizations invest in the next wave of independent creator work. We’ll share the findings publicly – so this is your chance to make sure your experience and perspective are represented in the data that shapes the field.
If you’re a creator-journalist (or creator with journalistic intent), this is for you. The only way we build a sustainable, credible creator-journalism ecosystem is by listening to the people doing the work.
HUGE thanks in advance for your participation. 🙏 And please share this with your networks – the more responses we get, the better we can help shape our shared future.
— Liz
What’s coming up at Project C!
Each month, we bring members of the Project C Community at least one, but usually more, live events. Here’s what’s coming up on the events calendar:
🚀 Wednesday, Nov. 12 | Your Next Milestone - Join Lex Roman for one of our most popular monthly hangs to choose your next goal and plan how to get there. REGISTER
🚀 Wednesday, Nov. 19 - Podcasting for Newsletter Writers – Your Podcast Pipeline founder Christabel Nsiah-Baudi shares her thoughts on how to get into, and monetize, podcasting. REGISTER
🚀 Monday, Nov. 24 - Is indie journalism right for me? – A guided discussion for journalists facing layoffs about independent path options! REGISTER
🚀 Wednesday, Dec. 3 - Pitch Your Sponsors co-working session – Get feedback, tips and encouragement for your sponsorship pitches. REGISTER
🚀 Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Your Next Milestone End of Year Edition! – We'll use our December session to reflect on how your 2025 went and what you're planning for the beginning of 2026. REGISTER
To get access to these events and the Project C Slack community, join here!
