Niche news wire for publishers

Newspapers and websites that want the coverage without hiring a reporter, plus trade groups, businesses and professionals who pay for timely industry news.

Monthly or annual subscription or licensing fees from outlets and organizations. You can add custom reports or one-off story sales for extra income.

• Reporting and writing to deadline
• Deep knowledge of your chosen beat
• Selling and relationship building
• Organizing a regular publishing schedule

• Write a clear licensing agreement covering how outlets may republish your stories
• Libel risk is real, so check media liability insurance and keep notes and sources for every story
• Revenue can take months to build because outlets want to see consistent output first
• Check state rules on recording interviews and any local rules if you attend courts or government meetings
• Check whether your state requires sales tax on digital subscriptions

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the website or email tools, equipment and insurance you choose. These are estimates, so price out your own setup before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your beat, how many outlets or subscribers pay and how consistently you publish. Revenue can take months to build because outlets want to see steady output first.

Write a clear licensing agreement covering how outlets may republish your stories. Also check media liability insurance because of libel risk, state rules on recording interviews, rules for courts or government meetings, and sales tax on digital subscriptions.