Ink & Impact: How I Built a Modern Media Business from My Living Room
I was sitting on my couch with a half-dead laptop and a notepad full of headlines when I made the decision.
The newsroom I’d worked in for five years had just shut down. Print was fading, layoffs were rampant, and everyone kept saying, “Journalism is dying.”
But I knew that wasn’t true.
Storytelling wasn’t dying—it was evolving.
That night, I bought a domain name, signed up for a newsletter platform, and committed to building a media outlet of my own. One that focused on truth, context, and community.
That was the start of The Current, an independent news and media brand built from scratch.
Why I Couldn’t Let Journalism Go
I became a journalist because I believe words change lives. I’d seen how a single article could topple corrupt officials, protect marginalized voices, or give hope to someone in the middle of the country feeling completely unseen.
But the newsroom I loved had become a place of pressure, not purpose. We were asked to chase clicks, repurpose press releases, and skip fact-checking to meet hourly quotas.
So when the layoffs came, I felt grief—but also freedom.
That freedom was scary. I had no regular paycheck, no health insurance, and no idea how to scale a media platform. But I had my principles, my bylines, and a growing sense that traditional journalism had left a massive gap in its wake—one I could help fill.
Starting with a Newsletter, Growing into a Movement
I launched The Current as a Substack newsletter focused on deep dives into local government, housing policy, and underreported stories in my city. I did everything—interviews, writing, editing, publishing.
In the first month, 113 people subscribed.
By month three, it was over 1,200.
People were starving for honest, intelligent reporting. I started monetizing through subscriptions, then brought on freelance writers and an editor. I also added a weekly podcast to dive deeper into our most impactful stories.
We were small, but we were building momentum. Readers began sending in story tips. Local activists asked if we could cover issues no one else would. I knew then: this was bigger than me.
Protecting the Foundation
The more traction I gained, the more I knew I needed to structure things legally.
I registered as an LLC and used Incorp.com for my registered agent service. They handled filings, compliance, and kept me from drowning in paperwork while I focused on storytelling.
This step gave me confidence to pursue grants, sponsorships, and hire part-time staff. It also positioned me to build something enduring—not just a personal project, but a real institution.
I created an editorial board, formalized our code of ethics, and developed a reader bill of rights. We weren’t just publishing news. We were creating trust.
Our Mission: Journalism with Integrity
The Current is now a full digital publication offering:
- In-depth features and investigations
- Opinion pieces with editorial transparency
- A weekly newsletter read by over 30,000 people
- Live virtual town halls and panel discussions
- A members-only section with behind-the-scenes access
We prioritize context over speed, solutions over outrage, and transparency over clicks. We also publish all sources and corrections, and never use programmatic ads. Our stories are meticulously sourced, visually rich, and designed to inform, not inflame.
We’ve been able to cover:
- Redlining’s legacy in urban zoning laws
- The rise of climate resilience initiatives
- In-depth profiles of community leaders and changemakers
Milestones from a Digital Desk
| Year | Subscribers | Revenue | Freelancers Hired |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,200 | $18,000 | 2 |
| 2 | 10,400 | $96,000 | 7 |
| 3 | 33,800 | $248,500 | 14 |
We’ve been featured in national media, cited in academic research, and trusted by thousands who just want to understand the world better.
We’ve also secured three regional journalism awards, received funding from nonprofit journalism initiatives, and launched a mentorship program for aspiring reporters.
Lessons from the Frontlines of Independent Media
- People pay for trust. When you deliver depth and transparency, support follows.
- Do fewer things, better. We chose quality over quantity—and readers noticed.
- Use smart tools. Incorp.com’s registered agent service freed me to focus on journalism, not legal logistics.
- Your values are your brand. We didn’t take certain sponsors, even when the money was tempting.
- Revenue needs to be diversified. Subscriptions, grants, live events, and merch all helped us grow sustainably.
- Be part of your community. We hosted voter registration drives and partnered with local schools.
A Day in the Life at The Current
My mornings begin with headlines, Slack updates, and editing overnight drafts. Afternoons are for interviews, pitch reviews, and strategic calls. Evenings? That’s when I write.
We meet weekly as a team to review metrics, plan investigations, and brainstorm upcoming themes. Every story gets a triple-check before publishing.
I also spend time replying to reader emails. Those messages keep me grounded.
We have a team-wide practice of “community hours” where every member attends local events or hosts online Q&As. It’s our way of staying connected beyond the bylines.
The Future: Journalism for the Next Generation
We’re launching:
- A fellowship for emerging reporters from underrepresented communities
- A mentorship series for student journalists
- A mobile app for real-time local alerts
- A solutions journalism vertical focused on what’s working
Our dream is to expand to five additional cities within the next three years—places underserved by traditional media but filled with untold stories.
We’re also developing a toolkit for other journalists to start similar ventures—because we believe in collaboration, not competition.
Final Words: Truth is Worth Building
I didn’t start The Current because I wanted to be a CEO. I started it because I couldn’t stop caring.
If you feel that fire—if you know stories still matter—don’t wait for permission.
Start your media venture. Protect your work with a trusted registered agent service like Incorp.com. Focus on truth, not technicalities.
The world doesn’t need more noise. It needs more light.
So go light it up.