Welcome to the Local Press Project
A project to ditch ads and make journalism fun again.
We exist to support journalists stepping away from legacy institutions to create something new and vital.
Hi, I’m Brian. I’m thrilled to have you here.
With 25 years of entrepreneurial experience under my belt, I’m jumping headfirst into the world of journalism. I thrive on solving problems and spotting opportunities, even in dire situations like the zombie-like state of too many media companies.
I’m not just here to have a ball, though we are doing that; I’m here to build a community and, if possible, institutions committed to quality journalism. By understanding the shifting media landscape and supporting trusted voices, we can bring about positive change.
Your paid support to the Local Press Project helps us provide:
Stories of keeping alive, resuscitating community journalism or burning away the deadwood.
Updates and insights on our ongoing journey (not just the successes, too).
Opinionated analysis on the business of media.
And, hopefully, a community of engaged readers and writers.
I’ll share developments and solutions that I think are notable or interesting and promote quality publications as I find them. I will put myself in the reader's shoes as we see developments, advocating a fair deal for both the readers and the writers.
Your support, whether through reading, sharing, or subscribing, helps sustain this work.
How We Started
When I'm not immersed in Substacks, being a dad or brother, or swimming, I’m managing Beehively Inc and TechaBee Inc—both companies I founded that provide tech solutions to schools.
I’m a frustrated reader who has canceled nearly all my legacy media subscriptions and replaced them with Substack writers. Substack has been a breath of fresh air, offering quality writing, honest pursuit of the truth, and real journalistic standards.
I’ve had the honor of backing two proven journalists who quickly soared to the top 50 on Substack, thanks to their earned reputations and fiercely loyal communities.
My role was small compared to the decades these journalists spent earning their reputations.
Substack removed much of the friction, my team and I cleared the remaining hurdles. We threw launch parties, and the town showed up to celebrate. Readers flocked in droves. The university took note, and we spoke to students about our journey. We made new friends at Substack HQ and learned at a light-speed pace.
However, I’ve discovered three key points:
A generation of journalists exists that has been wrongly told their work isn’t valued. The community is willing to fund them, even when institutions cannot or will not.
These journalists deserve a boost to transition to new solo or team formats—a boost I’m now qualified to give.
I’m surprised at how much passion I have for this, and my team from Beehively and TechaBee feels the same. We're all jumping into the fray together.
In an era where traditional journalism is receding, the need for independent, community-driven media has never been greater.
That’s why I’ve launched the Local Press Project: a project to ditch ads and make journalism fun again.
I got the ball rolling. If you care about this topic and can to help us, support us with your paid subscription.