My Local Press adds built-in newsletters for local publishers

My Local Press has added email newsletters to its Premium plan, giving local journalists a way to send stories directly to subscribers without a separate email tool. The feature is designed to help publishers reach readers more reliably and monetize local advertising inside the same newsletter.

Why it matters: - My Local Press is trying to give local publishers a direct line to readers at a time when social platforms and search traffic can be unreliable. - The new newsletter tool also gives Premium publishers another place to deliver local advertising, which could strengthen revenue from audience engagement they already control.

What happened: - My Local Press added email newsletters to its Premium membership. - Publishers can send stories directly to subscribers’ inboxes. - Publishers can also upload their own email contact lists and reach readers they already have. - The feature is aimed at independent journalists and local publishers using the platform. - My Local Press said the newsletter tool is part of its broader Premium offering.

The details: - Premium publishers can sell advertising to local businesses on My Local Press and keep 90% of what they earn. - Advertisers’ messages can run in the same newsletter that carries published stories. - Premium also includes unlimited publishing, live video and audio broadcasting, polls and surveys, a Press Pass credential for covering events, print-ready PDFs, and reader subscriptions and donations. - Premium costs $12 per month. - New members get a 30-day full refund. - My Local Press has nearly 4,000 publishers since launching in January 2026. - Journalists and community members can get started for free at My Local Press. - New members are vouched for by the community before publishing their first story.

Between the lines: - The newsletter launch fits a larger push to reduce the number of tools local publishers need to run a newsroom. - Adam Smith, co-founder of My Local Press, said a local reporter should not have to use multiple tools to manage reporting, distribution and sponsor visibility.

What's next: - My Local Press will likely keep expanding Premium features as it tries to turn more local journalists into paying users. - The company is positioning newsletters as a core part of how publishers build repeat readership and local ad revenue.

The bottom line: - My Local Press is betting that an all-in-one publishing stack, with newsletters built in, will help local journalists reach readers more reliably and earn more from their audiences.