Starting a new publication or production network has long been a big dream for many freelance journalists. Some have become disenfranchised with the status quo of how publications are run and are contemplating striking out on their own. Others see an opportunity to fill a niche that's been overlooked. But what does it take to bring a new media company from idea to execution?

In this episode, Wudan talks with Amy Westervelt. 

Amy is an award-winning investigative journalist working in print and audio who covers accountability and the climate crisis. She’s been working as a freelancer for over 20 years, and has written for NPR, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more. In 2017, she founded a podcast production company, Critical Frequency, which is home to multiple award-winning podcasts, including Drilled and Damages. 

Amy and Wudan dive into the nitty-gritty of funding a new network and setting up a team. 

Resources: 

• Follow Amy on X @amywestervelt and on LinkedIn


• Critical Frequency website


• Listen to Drilled, Damages, This Land and Unfinished: Short Creek


• Join the Writer’s Co-op on Patreon at an All-Access level to receive episodes early, discounts on events and online resources, and access to our Slack channel — a great place to find work, get advice, and meet other freelancers


• TWC just launched a brand new course! Check out our latest addition to the TWC Academy on Teachable: THE FRESH PAINT COURSE. The course is an asynchronous adaptation of the popular Fresh Paint Clinic, which teaches freelancers to build a business website that will attract the clients you want. 


• Check out all our courses, worksheets, and webinars on our website