The media landscape today feels more polarized than ever, often forcing consumers to choose between echo chambers that amplify their own beliefs or spending hours piecing together perspectives from multiple sources. Isaac Saul, a seasoned political journalist and founder of Tangle News, asked a pivotal question: What if one platform could bring together viewpoints from the left, right, and center on divisive political issues? His answer, Tangle News, offers a refreshing take on journalism and its role in fostering understanding across political divides.
This article explores Isaac’s journey, the challenges of building a mission-driven news organization, and the lessons he’s learned about trust, transparency, and sustainability in the digital age.
The Vision: Bridging the Divide
Isaac Saul’s motivation for founding Tangle News came from a personal frustration with mainstream media. "As a consumer, I went looking for a product where I could find views from the left and the right and the center all in one place, and it didn't exist," he explained. Realizing the gap, he set out to create a platform that could provide balanced perspectives on contentious issues while maintaining transparency and trust.
At its core, Tangle aims to tackle one divisive topic daily, presenting the facts neutrally and then sharing the best arguments from all sides. Isaac further enriches the conversation by offering his own centrist opinion at the end of each newsletter.
“The longer people read Tangle...the better they are at changing their minds, being open-minded, and having charitable perspectives about people they might disagree with,” he shared.
The Challenge of Breaking Through
Building a news organization that appeals to readers across the political spectrum isn’t easy. "Most people want news that reaffirms their priors," Isaac said, highlighting a key challenge. Tangle asks its readers to step outside their comfort zones, an exercise that can be uncomfortable but profoundly rewarding.
Isaac’s commitment to transparency strengthens the trust between his team and their audience. “If we come to a certain conclusion, we do our best to share the process and explain to our readers how we got there so they can trust it better,” he noted. This emphasis on accountability sets Tangle apart in a landscape where media bias is often unacknowledged.
Sustainability Through Innovation
One of the most intriguing aspects of Tangle is its unique revenue model. Unlike traditional news organizations that rely heavily on advertising or major investors, Tangle prioritizes subscription revenue. Isaac described his inverted paywall strategy: “We give away about 80 or 90% of our content for free and paywall 10 or 20%. The rationale is that the more people see of the work we’re doing, the more likely they are to support us with their money.”
This approach has paid off. Tangle converts an impressive 15-20% of its mailing list into paid subscribers, far exceeding the industry average of 5-6%. Additionally, the company has diversified its revenue streams by incorporating advertising into free newsletters and leveraging nonprofit funding for specific projects.
The Emotional Toll of Balanced Reporting
Covering polarizing topics daily can take a mental and emotional toll. Isaac and his small team of five full-time staff rely on shared values and self-care practices to stay resilient. “The way that we get through it is that we lean into our values and our mission—transparency, honesty, correcting the record when we’re wrong,” he said.
On a personal level, Isaac ensures balance by maintaining boundaries. “I turn off my phone and my work computer at 6 p.m. every day and stop responding to messages… On the weekends, I disconnect because I know the news isn’t going to meaningfully change between Saturday and Sunday,” he shared. These practices help him recharge and avoid burnout, a common pitfall in the industry.
Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Readers
Isaac’s journey offers several valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and media consumers alike:
Transparency Builds TrustShowing the process behind decisions fosters credibility. As Isaac said, “We correct the record when we’re wrong...so our readers can trust us better.”
Sustainable Models WorkBy focusing on subscription revenue and giving readers the freedom to explore free content first, Tangle has built a loyal base of paying customers.
Embrace Discomfort for GrowthTangle’s readers are encouraged to confront opposing views, helping them develop more nuanced perspectives.
Balance Is KeyFor founders and teams, sustainable growth requires managing workloads and maintaining personal well-being.
Conclusion: A Mission That Matters
In an era of increasing division, Tangle News stands out as a platform committed to fostering understanding and bridging gaps. By providing a space for nuanced discussions and challenging biases, Isaac Saul has created a model that could inspire broader change in the media industry.
If you’re tired of one-sided reporting and want to explore balanced perspectives, check out Tangle News. Take the first step toward understanding the complexities of today’s political landscape—without spending 12 hours chasing different sources.
Discover more about Tangle News and subscribe to their newsletter here.
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