As a journalist and blogger who works independently, it is important to understand the context and history behind Buzzfeed’s decision to close its newsroom. Buzzfeed, like many media companies, had a complex and evolving relationship with independent bloggers.

Buzzfeed first rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as a platform for viral content and listicles. Everyone has seen these on their Facebook feeds. List after list of stuff that really doesn’t count as journalism. The site’s popularity grew rapidly, and it soon expanded into news and investigative journalism. Buzzfeed’s newsroom was responsible for breaking several major stories, including the publication of the Steele Dossier, which alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

However, Buzzfeed’s pivot to news was not without controversy. Many independent bloggers accused Buzzfeed of co-opting their content and repackaging it for a mainstream audience. In some cases, Buzzfeed even hired bloggers and then shut down their independent sites, effectively killing off their audience.

As Buzzfeed’s newsroom grew, the company faced mounting financial pressures. Buzzfeed laid off 15% of its workforce, including many journalists and editors. The company’s CEO, Jonah Peretti, cited the need to “focus on content that is working” as the reason for the layoffs.

In January 2021, Buzzfeed announced that it was closing its newsroom altogether and shifting its focus to its entertainment and lifestyle brands. The decision was met with shock and disappointment from many in the journalism community, who saw it as a sign of the precarious state of the media industry.

It is difficult to say whether Buzzfeed’s decision to close its newsroom was directly related to its treatment of independent bloggers. However, the company’s history of co-opting content and shutting down independent sites certainly played a role in its fraught relationship with the blogging community. As a journalist and blogger who works independently, it is important to be aware of these dynamics and to advocate for fair compensation and recognition for all creators.

It is also worth noting that the closure of Buzzfeed’s newsroom could have a positive impact on independent investigative journalism. With traditional media companies facing financial pressures and consolidation, independent bloggers and journalists may be more motivated than ever to pursue important stories and uncover the truth.

Many independent journalists and bloggers have already demonstrated their ability to break significant stories and hold those in power accountable. The rise of platforms such as Substack and Patreon, which allow creators to monetize their work directly from their audience, could also provide a more sustainable business model for independent journalism.

However, it is important to note that independent journalism also faces challenges and limitations, including a lack of resources, access to information, and legal protection. As a journalist or blogger working independently, it is crucial to be aware of these challenges and to take steps to address them, such as building a strong network of sources and allies, investing in digital security, and seeking legal guidance when necessary.

Overall, while the closure of Buzzfeed’s newsroom is a loss for the journalism community, it could also serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of independent investigative journalism.