State of Independence
Independence isn't just a day, or a feeling. In the world of media, it is a movement.
The rise of independent media is reshaping journalism in 2025, highlighting the increasing demand for personalised and direct news content that is driven not by commercial imperative, fealty to a rich media mogul, or a need to satisfy advertisers, but by a genuine passion for the subject.
Fuelled by a growing desire for authentic, unfiltered content, independent journalism is experiencing exponential growth. As traditional newspapers and magazines wither on the vine, platforms like Substack now attract more than 35 million active readers. Far more importantly, these independent platforms are fostering communities in which the barrier between writer and reader is all but removed, and a back and forth discourse has replaced the traditional one-way communication of old-school media.
DemolitionNews departed from the traditional advertising-led model back in March 2020 when COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill. That departure began (and continues) with a daily LiveStream for the demolition and construction sector. But, more recently, we have doubled-down on our independence; embracing Substack as a home for long-form articles that delve deeper into subjects that traditional business-to-business magazines would be afraid or unable to tackle.
The feedback has been remarkable and the level of engagement is way beyond anything we have experienced previously. In fact, we have a growing number of paid subscribers. They can read almost everything for free so the paid subscription is not necessary nor compulsory. They are paying NOT because they have to, but because they WANT to. They are independent thinkers that appreciate independent writing.
So this Independence Day, as the US celebrates the ideals of freedom, it is important to remember that independence transcends politics; it embraces the power of a free and fearless press. Independent media, such as DemolitionNews, embody that spirit: untethered to commercial pressures, unafraid to ask challenging questions, and driven by genuine passion rather than advertising dollars.
When readers choose to pay, they affirm that journalism rooted in authenticity and community connection is not only valued but essential. This mirrors the fundamental principle of sovereignty: the freedom to shape your own narrative.
In the same way that nations secured their independence through courage and conviction, independent publishers today are carving out a space where discourse is reciprocal, transparency is prized, and trust is earned.
So as fireworks light up the night sky, let them also remind us of the torch passed to every voice brave enough to stand apart from the mainstream. Independence Day isn’t just about the founding of a nation; it’s about the ongoing pledge to protect the free flow of ideas. Here’s to independent media. The vigilant guardians of our collective independence, today and every day.