On Friday, TheWrap, highlighted a growing trend: prominent TV journalists—once bound by corporate newsrooms, rigid schedules, and editorial oversight—are thriving on Substack by building direct, subscriber-funded businesses. This "second life" allows them to scale their personal brands into full media operations, often with more authenticity and flexibility than traditional cable news offered. It's part of a broader media exodus driven by declining TV ratings, layoffs, and frustrations with network politics, especially amid post-2024 election shifts like conservative-leaning appointments at major outlets.
Viewers increasingly turn to podcasts, influencers, and newsletters for unfiltered takes. Substack's politics category—its most lucrative—has boomed with anti-Trump content, as audiences seek voices uncompromised by "both-sides" mandates.
On Substack, creators own their content, audience lists, and revenue (after a 10% platform fee). No more "pancake makeup" in sterile studios; many now broadcast from home setups, fostering intimacy that builds loyalty.
Several high-profile exits have turned into Substack wins, with many adopting a "video-first" approach to leverage their on-air charisma. Here's a rundown of notable transitions:
These aren't isolated cases. Others like Megyn Kelly (independent podcaster with Substack ties) and Chris Matthews (video-forward posts) are porting audiences, while veterans like Dan Rather have long earned $500K+ annually on the platform through steady, reflective writing.