My Local Press adds revenue-sharing tools for independent journalists

My Local Press has launched new subscriber-only content and self-serve local advertising tools that let publishers keep 90% of the revenue they generate. The rollout aims to help independent local journalists build more sustainable businesses as the platform says it now serves more than 3,000 active publishers worldwide.

Why it matters: - My Local Press is trying to make local journalism more financially viable for independent publishers. - The new tools give reporters direct ways to earn from their own audience and local advertisers without relying on traditional newspaper infrastructure. - Publishers keep 90% of subscription and ad revenue, which raises the share of income that stays with the journalist.

What happened: - My Local Press introduced two new revenue-sharing tools: subscriber-only content and self-serve local advertising. - The tools are available now to all publishers on the platform. - The company said the rollout is designed to help community reporting become a sustainable income source. - Adam Smith, co-founder of My Local Press, said the goal is to give that living back to the journalist rather than route revenue through a chain or corporate ad network.

The details: - The subscriber-content tool lets journalists offer premium or members-only stories directly to readers. - Publishers keep 90% of subscription revenue, while My Local Press keeps 10% to support ongoing development. - The advertising tool lets publishers sell ads directly to local businesses on their own stories and pages. - Publishers keep 90% of the ad revenue generated through that tool. - My Local Press already lets journalists publish from a smartphone or desktop, run live video newscasts, sell coupons and public notices, and produce a printable edition. - The platform says those features work without the overhead of traditional newspaper infrastructure. - My Local Press says it has grown to more than 3,000 active publishers worldwide since launching in January 2026. - Those publishers cover communities across the United States and internationally. - Journalists and community members can get started for free at My Local Press.

Between the lines: - The revenue split is the clearest signal that My Local Press is positioning itself as a creator-first platform for local news. - The emphasis on direct subscription and ad sales suggests a bet that smaller publishers want simple monetization tools more than bundled media infrastructure. - The platform’s rapid growth claim suggests demand for lower-cost ways to launch local news outlets, though the release does not break out retention or revenue figures.

What's next: - My Local Press is now pushing the new tools to its existing publisher base. - The platform is likely to use the revenue-sharing model as a selling point for new journalist signups. - The company’s growth from a January 2026 launch to more than 3,000 active publishers suggests more expansion ahead if adoption continues.

The bottom line: - My Local Press is betting that giving independent journalists most of the money they earn will make local news businesses more durable.