Facebook plans to offer newsletter tools to independent journalists and writers, The New York Times reports. It is believed that it contains features to help writers develop a following using the social network, compile their email lists, and manage their paid subscriptions. Although work on the project is at an early stage, managers hope the features can only be launched in the summer.
The news comes as interest in newsletters flourishes. Newsletter service Substack has boasted more than 250,000 paying subscribers since September last year, and just this week, Twitter acquired newsletter rival Revue. A number of high-profile journalists have left traditional publications to compile independent newsletters, attracted by the promise of complete editorial control over their work and the ability to benefit more directly from the subscription revenue it brings.
Facebook has tried to better highlight news sources on its platform. The News tab is a section of the service that contains content from collaborating organizations, some of which are paid for the inclusion of their articles. While the News Tab improves Facebook’s relationship with traditional publishers, the newsletter tools are seen as an attempt to address individual writers.
In a statement issued to the NEW, a Facebook spokesman, did not directly confirm the report, but said the company is working on ways to support independent journalists. “We want to do more to support independent journalists and experts who build online businesses and audiences,” said Campbell Brown, vice president of global news partnerships. “We’re exploring ways to help them take advantage of the news products we’ve built, such as Facebook News and subscribers, while also building new tools to supplement what journalists are already finding useful.”
Given the explosion in the popularity of newsletters, it was only a matter of time before Facebook would start exploring the area. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly told his team to make the project a priority after noticing the trend. But jumping on the bandwagon is unlikely to be accompanied by Facebook’s critics. As Kara Swisher posted this in a tweet, “Does Facebook have one fresh idea or should they all sweep?”