Independent Journalism Atlas · Research & Writing

We study what most journalism coverage ignores.

Three co-founders. Decades inside the Washington Post, Axios, Vox, and USA Today. Now building the infrastructure layer for independent journalism — and publishing what we learn alongside the researchers, funders, and institutions paying attention to the same shift.

From Project C

Project C is the flagship publication for creator-model journalism. All three co-founders contribute. These are the pieces that have moved the conversation.

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Research & Partnerships

Original research on a landscape most funders are still figuring out.

April 2026 · Center for News, Technology & Innovation

US Indie Info Providers: Professionally Diverse, Mission-driven, Sometimes Lonely, Rarely Earning Profit

A first look at the people shaping independent information in the US. 26 creators interviewed. Project C provided recruitment, field knowledge, and expertise throughout the research process.

1 in 5 Americans get news from individuals
26 creators interviewed
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June 2026 · Press Forward Chicago

Creator Journalism Toolkit

A practical field guide for independent journalists in Chicago — produced with Press Forward Chicago and the Chicago Community Trust. Maps the creator journalism landscape, identifies infrastructure gaps, and provides actionable guidance for building sustainable independent ventures.

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March 2025 · Project C

The 2025 News Ecosystem Map

An interactive graphic mapping the full spectrum of where news content is being produced and distributed today — from established legacy media to creator-model journalists to news influencers. Presented at ISOJ 2025, Knight Media Forum, and referenced across industry research.

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Publications

Writing that ranges from academic to commercial.

Nieman Lab, Nieman Reports, Reason, CJR, IJNet — the range of venues reflects the range of arguments we're making.

In the Press

Where our work has been covered and cited.

On the Stage

Where we show up.

We speak at the conferences, fellowships, and convenings where journalism's future gets decided — and where funders, journalists, and institutions are working through the same questions we are.


Alumni of

Washington Post The New York Times NPR Axios Vox USA Today Nieman Foundation Columbia Journalism School Harvard Berkman Klein Stanford JSK ONA Board

We built the map. Now use it.

1,718 verified independent creator-journalists. Searchable by beat, platform, geography, and format.