Popular independent journalist and Emmy-winning filmmaker Johnny Harris has officially launched Newpress, a new digital platform designed to foster creator-led and community-driven journalism.
Harris, who has amassed over 7 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, introduced the project as a direct response to the “algorithm-heavy” nature of traditional social media platforms that often prioritize sensationalism over factual depth.
The platform aims to connect a global community of curious individuals with a collective of creators who currently command a combined following of more than 10 million subscribers across various social networks.
The Newpress initiative is built on a model of transparency and direct participation, allowing users to contribute to the reporting process. Members can share questions, ideas, and specialised expertise to help shape the stories being developed by the creators.
Johnny Harris described the project as an “algorithm-free corner of the internet” where the primary goal is to create a real understanding of the world rather than generating outrage for the sake of engagement.
The platform features several distinct “spaces” or shows led by prominent creator-journalists. These include “Search Party” by Sam Ellis, which decodes the intersection of geopolitics and sports; “Tunnel Vision” by Christophe Haubursin, a show focused on solving internet mysteries using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT); and “The Bigger Picture” by Max Fisher, which explores the inner workings of human behaviour and global systems.
Newpress operates on a tiered membership model to ensure its financial independence from traditional advertising and platform-driven incentives.
While users can join for free to access basic community features, the platform offers a “Member” tier at $20 every three months, providing early and exclusive access to content.
A “Founding Member” tier is also available for $60 per year, which includes additional perks such as exclusive live access to creators through “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) sessions and a limited-edition physical print of a Japanese world map hand-selected by the team.
Johnny Harris originally rose to prominence as a producer for Vox Media, where he created the acclaimed “Borders” series before transitioning into a full-time independent creator. His work is characterised by a signature visual style that blends complex motion graphics and maps with cinematic storytelling to explain international affairs and history.
By launching Newpress, Harris and his collaborators are attempting to solve the “publishing treadmill” problem, where creators feel forced to post frequently to satisfy the YouTube algorithm.
