Project C releases list of top-50 creator-model journalists
Project C released its list of top-50 creator-model journalists, which is described as “a groundbreaking list celebrating influential independent journalists working today. These creators are not only building viable journalism businesses on their own terms – they’re shaping the future of the news industry.
“This inaugural list, the first of its kind, highlights journalists who are engaging loyal audiences, innovating in digital formats, and setting new standards for sustainable business models and journalistic integrity. From deeply reported newsletters to community-driven local news to platform-native explainers, the list captures a cross-section of creators proving that the independent model is not just possible – it’s thriving.”
“Creator journalism is no longer a fringe movement,” said Liz Kelly Nelson, founder of Project C. “This list marks a milestone in recognizing the journalists driving that shift – those who are not just doing the work, but redefining what it means to build trust, impact, and successful business models outside traditional news organizations.”
The list is accompanied by an editorial package that takes a deeper look at the trends and forces shaping creator-model journalism, with insights from creators, academics and industry watchers.
According to the release, the top-50 were srough a multi-step process combining expert curation with industry nominations and a finalist survey. More than 125 finalists were evaluated for the top-50 list based on:
– Audience Impact: reach, engagement and loyalty
– Sustainability: revenue models, subscriber support and long-term viability
– Journalistic Integrity: adherence to best practices, including transparency and ethics
– Innovation & Influence: distinct formats, storytelling and platform leadership
– Topic Diversity: beats and formats spanning local, national and global news
Finalists were also asked to share business details (revenue mix, staffing, ethics policies and more) to build a more complete picture of today’s independent journalism economy. The full list is published alongside insights and commentary exploring trends, takeaways and predictions for what comes next. The full list and editorial package is available here: projectc.biz/top50creatorjournalists
The list is produced by Liz Kelly Nelson, Justin Bank, Ryan Kellett and Blair Hickman with support from Kathy Baird and Anna Loy. Design by James Bareham.
It is part of Project C’s broader mission to support and elevate independent journalists through training, research, and strategic support.
The release states that Project C is helping journalism “survive society’s tectonic shifts so the next generation can access trustworthy, useful information. We believe in a future where creators, communities, and newsrooms can thrive, even as the landscape keeps changing. Through a newsletter, courses, original research, and a private member Slack, Project C offers insights, tools, and guidance for journalists building sustainable, audience-driven businesses. We also work with newsrooms, media companies, and journalism support organizations to make sense of the creator space – and develop smart strategies for engaging with it.”
