Niche news sites
By Michele McLellan
Updated: June 7, 2010
Michele McLellan
Niche sites focus tightly on specific topics -- restaurants and entertainment, health and medical news, environmental or political coverage, consumer and shopping information. Revenue may come from advertising, subscriptions or syndicating content.
- The Arizona Guardian, founded by a group of four journalists laid off from the East Valley Tribune, covers statewide politics. Revenue: Subscription; site is behind pay wall. About The Arizona Guardian. See the post about The Arizona Guardian from inothernews.us.
- Bakersfield Express is a news site about local culture run by veteran journalist Jennifer Baldwin. Topics: Arts & culture, environment, non-profits, volunteering. Revenue: Donations, sponsorships. About Bakersfield Express. See the post about Bakersfield Express from inothernews.us.
- BikePortland.org is an interactive bike news source about the Portland, Ore., area. Topics: News, personalities and advocacy about biking in Portland. Revenue: Advertising, donations. About BikePortland.org.
- Brownstoner covers real estate and renovation news in Brooklyn, N.Y. It also reports and links to other related neighborhood news, such as information about restaurants and education. Revenue: Advertising. About Brownstoner.
- CalCoastNews, edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and journalism professor George Ramos, specializes in investigative reporting in California's San Luis Obispo County. Revenue: Advertising, donations. About CalCoastNews. See the post about CalCoastNews from inothernews.us.
- The Capitol Fax Blog offers news for Illinois political insiders. Topics: Politics, state government. Revenue: Advertising, subscriptions for access to special content.
- Cincinnati Sports Journalism covers various collegiate and professional teams from southwest Ohio, such as the Bengals, Reds, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier. Revenue: Advertising, membership, donations, merchandise sales.
- Duke City Fix is an Albuquerque, New Mexico community Web site that is managed by volunteers. Topics: Neighborhoods, restaurants and music. Revenue: Ads by Google. Bonus points: Active commenting community. About Duke City Fix.
- EdNewsColorado is produced by the Public Education and Business Coalition, a non-profit of Colorado's education and business leaders, as an advocacy site devoted to statewide education news not covered by commercial media, interest groups or professional associations. Topics: News and analysis about education issues and policymaking, bill tracking and commentary. Revenue: Partnerships, sponsorships. About EdNewsColorado.
- EuskalKazeta.com is a news site for the global Basque community. Topics: Basque news, people, culture, politics. Revenue: Advertising. About EuskalKazeta.com.
- Fiftyshift.com has news stories, many aggregated, essays and a blog for women 50 and older. Topics: Health, family, tech knowledge, hobbies. Revenue: Advertising. About fiftyshift.com.
- Fresno Famous is geared toward young, educated people and is all about the fun of living in Fresno, Calif. Topics: “From taco stands to local bands, we want to hear all about your Fresno experiences.” Revenue: Advertising. About Fresno Famous.
- FreshDaily.ca, a media company that focuses on hyperlocal arts and entertainment reporting, operates sites in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Revenue: Advertising.
- FutureofCapitalism has news, analysis, comments and discussion about capitalism. Revenue: Advertising, sponsorship, membership, subscription. About FutureofCapitalism.com.
- GothamSchools is an independent news source about New York City's public schools. Topics: News about education policy, politics and research, and opinion and analysis. Revenue: Grant, donations. About GothamSchools.
- Irishcentral is for the global Irish community. Topics: Irish news, sports, entertainment, travel, gossip, opinion. Revenue: Advertising. About Irishcentral.com.
- Irish Philadelphia focuses on local news and culture for Philly¿s Irish-American community. It is run by two Philly journalists, Jeff Meade and Denise Foley, who themselves have Irish roots. Topics: Music, dance, art, food, genealogy, sports, travel. Revenue: Advertising. About Irish Philadelphia.
- LatinaLista is a niche news site for the Latina community. Topics: Profiles, commentary and news from partnering hometown newspapers. Revenue: Advertising. About Latina Lista.
- MedCity News is a niche site for organizations and individuals in the health care industry. About MedCity News.
- Nashvillest covers entertainment in Nashville, Tenn. Topics: Culture, arts, food, music. Revenue: Advertising. See the post about Nashvillest from inothernews.us.
- Old Dominion Watchdog, a non-profit project of the Franklin Center for Public Integrity, focuses on its watchdog function, especially toward local and state government in Virginia. About Old Dominion Watchdog. See the post about Old Dominion Watchdog from inothernews.us.
- Qcitymetro.com is an independent, locally owned site with news and information for the African American community of Charlotte, N.C. Topics: Local news, faith, social and community organizations, sports. Revenue: Advertising. About Qcitymetro.
- NEW! Science in the Triangle covers science news from the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. The site is a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science and web design firm Blue Pane Studio. Topics: News, events, business and other topics related to science in the region. About Science in the Triangle. See this Columbia Journalism Review story or this Knight Science Journalism Tracker article for more information.
- Seattle/Local Health Guide was founded by MD/journalist Michael McCarthy. Topics: Health news from the Seattle and the Puget Sound region and information about services available in the area. Revenue: Advertising in the works. Bonus points: A flu vaccine locator widget. About.
- Shop-eat-surf.com has news and information for action sports executives.Revenue: Advertising, sponsorships. About Shop-eat-surf.com.
- TechnicallyPhilly is for the IT community, from small start ups to big businesses, in Philadelphia. Topics: Technology-related trends, news, events, people, social organizations, media and businesses. Revenue: Advertising. About TechnicallyPhilly.
- Texas Watchdog, founded by veteran reporter Trent Seibert, publishes investigative pieces important to Texans. Revenue: Grants. About Texas Watchdog. See the post about Texas Watchdog from inothernews.us.
- Tucson Velo, founded and operated by Michael McKisson, covers the bicycling community in the Arizona city. Topics include events, rides, and a stolen bike section where users can post. About Tucson Velo.