Reginaldo Osnildo
Local news isn't dead—it's rebuilding from the ground up. Here's why your voice matters, and how Substack makes it possible to lead the change.
Hey, Reginaldo Osnildo here.
By now, you’ve probably seen how Substack can power your newsletter, build a community, and even pay the bills.
But let’s zoom out for a second.
Forget the tactics. Forget the tech. Forget the templates.
Let’s talk about why this work actually matters.
Because if you're still on the fence about launching your own local newsletter, maybe you just need one final reason.
So here it is:
Your voice can change everything for your community.
1. Local News Isn’t Dying—It’s Decentralizing
We hear it all the time:
“Local journalism is dead.”
“Newspapers are closing.”
“No one cares about real reporting anymore.”
But here’s the truth:
Local news isn’t dead—it’s shifting.
Away from big media conglomerates.
Away from expensive, ad-driven models.
Away from institutions that forgot who they serve.
And back toward individuals.
People like you.
Who care. Who ask questions. Who pay attention. Who show up.
You’re not the future of journalism.
You’re the now.
2. Communities Are Starving for Real Information
When you don’t have local news:
- Corruption goes unchecked
- Elections go unnoticed
- Businesses go unsupported
- Neighborhoods feel disconnected
- People lose their voice
But when you do have it?
Even a simple weekly newsletter with a few updates, a photo, and a quote from a community member can:
- Start conversations
- Inspire action
- Rebuild trust
- Make people feel seen
It’s not about being a hero. It’s about being present.
3. One Voice Can Spark a Movement
Some of the most powerful journalism projects today started with one person.
A parent writing about school policies.
A student reporting from campus.
A neighbor documenting housing issues.
A retiree sharing stories from their block.
What starts as “just a newsletter” becomes:
- A hub
- A platform
- A reference
- A force
That can be you.
4. Technology Has Never Made It Easier
You don’t need printing presses.
You don’t need investors.
You don’t need permission.
You just need:
- A free Substack account
- A story worth telling
- A willingness to hit “Send”
Substack gives you:
- Publishing tools
- Email delivery
- Subscriber lists
- Monetization built-in
No excuses. No gatekeepers.
You bring the voice. Substack brings the infrastructure.
5. You Don't Need a Huge Audience to Make a Difference
100 readers who trust you > 10,000 followers who don’t know you.
- If 25 people read your post and show up to a city meeting—you made an impact.
- If 50 people support a local artist because you wrote about them—you made an impact.
- If one person feels heard because of your story—you made an impact.
Big change starts with small circles.
6. We Need More Local Voices—Not Fewer
Let’s be honest:
Most communities are underreported, overlooked, or misunderstood.
- Who’s telling your neighborhood’s story?
- Who’s following your school board?
- Who’s documenting your local heroes?
- Who’s celebrating the good and questioning the bad?
If not you… who?
7. This Work Is Meaningful. And It’s Worth It.
Yes, it takes time.
Yes, it can be uncomfortable.
Yes, it won’t always be easy.
But I promise you: it matters.
The impact is real.
The connections are deep.
The sense of purpose is unlike anything else.
This isn’t just a side hustle.
It’s a service. It’s a calling. It’s a contribution to your community that can outlast you.
Want the Blueprint for Starting Strong?
If this stirred something in you—if you’re even thinking about starting your own local newsletter—don’t wait.