Facebook Bulletin Adds 31 Newsletter Writers - Latest News

Facebook Expands its Bulletin Newsletter Platform

Just last month, Facebook unveiled Bulletin, a platform dedicated to newsletters. Unlike competitors such as Substack and Medium, Bulletin employs a selective approach, carefully choosing its writers. This results in a more curated experience.

Initial Writers and Expansion

The initial group of featured writers included prominent figures like Mitch Albom, author of the widely-read “Tuesdays with Morrie,” and Tan France of Queer Eye, known for his style guidance. Today, Facebook has announced a new cohort of writers joining the platform following its initial beta testing phase.

This latest addition features Malala Yousafzai, the 24-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who will focus on both significant discussions and personal anecdotes. Also included is Maria Celeste, a journalist from Puerto Rico, set to launch Bulletin’s first newsletter in the Spanish language. Nedra Tawwab, a relationships therapist with a substantial social media following, is another new addition.

Platform Features and Integration

Bulletin offers a substantial amount of freely accessible content and minimizes overt Facebook branding. It operates on a dedicated website, separate from the main Facebook application. Writers have the option to place certain content behind a paywall, with payments processed through Facebook Pay.

Subscribers may also receive access to exclusive Facebook groups, Live Audio Rooms, and podcasts. This integration serves to direct users towards other products within the Facebook ecosystem. The platform is positioned as an exclusive, invite-only space for public personalities, exceeding the selectivity of platforms like Raya.

Editorial Independence and Content Moderation

Following its launch, Facebook stated its commitment to complete editorial independence for its partnered writers. This was affirmed by the diverse content already published, such as comedian Greg Mania’s essay on a personal health topic.

However, the concept of “editorial independence” extends beyond the freedom to publish unconventional essays. The statement appears to be a response to the more lenient content moderation policies adopted by Substack. Medium has also faced scrutiny regarding its editorial approach, having previously operated in-house publications like GEN and Elemental before scaling back its editorial team.

Therefore, Facebook’s investment in supporting a select group of journalists and writers represents a contrast to the user-generated content focus of Substack and Medium.

Competition in the Newsletter Space

Facebook is not alone in its interest in newsletters. In January, Twitter acquired the newsletter platform Revue. However, Twitter’s current focus appears to be directed elsewhere, with limited updates to Revue since the acquisition.