Noosphere Launches New News Platform for Independent Journalists

NEW YORK, NY — A group of veteran foreign correspondents is set to launch a new premium news platform called Noosphere tomorrow. This mobile-first service will provide unlimited access to content produced by independent journalists for a subscription fee of less than $20 a month.

Noosphere, as previewed in an early demonstration shared with Semafor, will showcase a unique user interface that combines various media formats, similar to TikTok’s endless scroll feature. Users will have access to articles, audio podcasts, and videos displayed on a primary feed, creating a versatile news consumption experience.

CEO Jane Ferguson, a former war correspondent for PBS, founded Noosphere in response to the disintegrating broadcast and digital media landscapes, which have led to widespread job losses among talented journalists. In an interview with Semafor, Ferguson shared insights from a recent fellowship at Princeton, where she observed a shrinking audience and business model challenges in conventional journalism.

“I had essentially built an incredibly successful career in an industry that was collapsing… It became apparent to me that this was actually terminal, certainly in the television business,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson aimed to establish a platform that empowers journalists financially while offering appealing content to news consumers. Working with a small tech team, she designed the Noosphere app, incorporating feedback from independent journalists, including co-founder Sebastian Walker, who has a background as the Middle East bureau chief for Vice.

The platform will initially feature contributions from over a dozen journalists, with plans for rapid growth shortly after launch. Ferguson disclosed that she raised about $1 million in funding from private investors interested in supporting sustainable journalism alternatives.

Noosphere’s subscription model will start at $15 per month and is expected to rise to $19.99 over time. Revenue will be shared among participating journalists, partially based on their individual subscriber and viewership numbers. The strategy includes remaining invite-only for journalists to ensure high-quality reporting standards.

Ferguson envisions opening the platform to a broader audience in the future, discussing potential partnerships with established news outlets for content monetization. “This is an opportunity for a broadcaster to access a sort of A-team of award-winning broadcasters on camera, many of whom are already in the field,” she explained.

Noosphere is part of a growing trend toward independent journalism platforms, as traditional media faces mounting challenges in attracting viewers and financial viability.