Isaac Saul: How Can Balanced News Heal Political Divides?

21st Century Entrepreneurship

Isaac Saul is a seasoned political journalist and founder of Tangle News. We spoke about his journey from feeling disillusioned with traditional media to building a platform designed to provide a balanced, nuanced approach to political news. Isaac’s mission is bold yet simple: to offer a space where readers can engage with perspectives from the left, right, and center on divisive issues—all in one place.

During the conversation, Isaac shared his insights on what’s broken in mainstream news and why many organizations fail to bridge the political divide. He explained his innovative model: a subscription-driven business that gives away 80-90% of its content for free, trusting that quality and transparency will convert readers into paying subscribers. "I want people to see more of our content, because I know we have really good content," he said, emphasizing the importance of building trust over time.

Isaac also described the mental and operational challenges of running a small but impactful newsroom. With a team of just five, Tangle tackles the monumental task of presenting unbiased reporting while staying true to its values. "The longer people read Tangle, the better they are at changing their minds, being open-minded, and having charitable perspectives," Isaac explained, illustrating the transformative effect of thoughtful engagement with diverse viewpoints.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Why transparency matters: Isaac highlighted the importance of "correcting the record when we're wrong" and showing readers the reasoning behind every conclusion.
• The subscription strategy that works: Tangle converts 15-20% of its readers into paid subscribers—far above the industry average—by prioritizing trust over quick paywalls.
• How to stay sustainable: Isaac’s personal practices, like disconnecting from news on weekends and prioritizing team collaboration, offer a blueprint for avoiding burnout in high-pressure environments.
• The impact of balanced news: "People realize that the world is not black and white... It helps turn the temperature down," Isaac said, reflecting on how nuanced reporting can reduce polarization.

This episode offers a unique perspective on reshaping the media landscape, building a mission-driven business, and fostering open-mindedness in an era of increasing division.