Former WSJ Reporter Launches Independent Tech Journalism Venture on Beehiiv.

Joanna Stern, a longtime tech columnist at The Wall Street Journal, has launched New Things, an independent tech journalism venture that combines a paid newsletter on Beehiiv with a companion YouTube video series.

The announcement, shared on LinkedIn, marks a significant shift for Stern, who spent years building her reputation as one of the tech industry's most trusted consumer technology reporters. Her first YouTube video details why she left the Journal and what readers can expect from the new publication, featuring a cameo from Casey Neistat, who previously encouraged her to pursue independent work.

The New Things newsletter launched on Beehiiv with a paid membership model, positioning it alongside other independent journalists and creators who have chosen the platform for its growth-focused toolset. Stern highlighted the design quality in her announcement, crediting Jason Snyder and Briana Feola for the branding work, which includes a hand-drawn custom font.

Beehiiv has become an increasingly popular choice for journalists transitioning from traditional media to independent publishing. The platform's emphasis on monetization features, including subscription management and built-in advertising tools through its ad network, makes it particularly appealing for creators looking to build sustainable media businesses.

New Things takes a multi-format approach to tech coverage, pairing written analysis with video content. The dual-platform strategy reflects broader trends in independent media, where creators diversify across formats to reach different audience segments and create multiple revenue streams.

Stern assembled a small team for the launch, including David Hall and Amaya Austin, and worked with Kenny Wassus on a home studio setup designed to support the video production side of the operation. The production values signal an intention to compete with established tech media outlets while maintaining the independence and personality that draws audiences to creator-led publications.

The launch represents another high-profile departure from legacy media to independent publishing, a pattern that has accelerated over the past several years as platforms like Beehiiv, Substack, and ConvertKit have matured their creator monetization tools. For Stern, who built a substantial following through her work at the Journal, the move suggests confidence that her audience will follow her to a paid independent model.

New Things positions itself as independent tech journalism focused on storytelling and reported features rather than breaking news, a strategic choice that plays to Stern's strengths as a consumer technology expert known for in-depth reviews and explanatory journalism. The publication's tagline promises reporting and stories that go beyond standard tech coverage.