Popular Information is a newsletter focused on politics and accountability journalism, launched in 2018 by Judd Legum, a journalist and lawyer with a background in political reporting. The newsletter aims to provide in-depth analysis and investigative reporting on important political issues, often uncovering stories that mainstream media might overlook.
Content and Focus
Popular Information delivers content four times a week, from Monday to Thursday. Its primary focus includes:
- Investigative reporting on corporate practices and their impact on workers
- Analysis of online misinformation, particularly on social media platforms
- Examination of political campaigns and their strategies
- Accountability journalism targeting powerful individuals and institutions
The newsletter has gained recognition for its impactful reporting. In 2020, it received an award for excellence in journalism from the Online News Association.
Impact and Achievements
Popular Information has demonstrated significant influence through its reporting:
- Exposed lack of paid sick leave at major companies like Darden Restaurants, leading to policy changes affecting 175,000 workers
- Revealed a pro-Trump network of Facebook pages operating from Ukraine, resulting in Facebook removing the entire network
- Reported on Facebook's policy change allowing politicians to lie in ads, which was initially denied by the company
- Caused Facebook to remove over 1,000 Trump campaign ads for violating census misinformation policies
Structure and Style
The newsletter employs several common features found in successful newsletters:
- A personal introduction from the author
- Custom titles for each issue
- Inline links within the content
- A clear value proposition for readers
Bias and Reliability
While Popular Information is known for its investigative reporting, it's important to note its political leanings:
- Ad Fontes Media rates it as "Strong Left" in terms of bias and "Generally Reliable/Analysis OR Other Issues" for reliability
- Media Bias/Fact Check categorizes it as having a solid left bias in story selection and editorial stance, while generally maintaining proper sourcing and factual reporting
Business Model
Popular Information operates on a subscription-based model through Substack. While it offers some free content, paid subscriptions provide full access to all articles and the archive. The paid subscription costs $6 and supports the newsletter's independent journalism.
In conclusion, Popular Information has established itself as a significant player in political newsletter journalism, known for its investigative reporting and ability to effect real-world change. However, readers should be aware of its left-leaning perspective when consuming its content.
