Meredith Klein of Meredith and the Media interviewed Richard Rushfield, founder and columnist at The Ankler, about the entertainment industry publication and how it distinguishes itself.
Here is an excerpt:
The Ankler has hundreds of thousands of subscribers. What was the reception back in 2017, and how did you, CEO and editor-in-chief Janice Min, and the team stay focused to make The Ankler one of the most reputable independent publications in the industry?
- It was just me at that time. I met with Janice in 2022, but for most of that initial journey, it was just me. The thing about the newsletter medium is that it forces you to think like everything is on center stage. When you’re on websites and when you’re doing trades, you’re not actually writing it to be read. You’re doing it to make a source happy, to make an advertiser happy, to keep a relationship, because it’s Thursday and we need something to fit in that space on Thursday. But you’re not actually thinking anyone’s going to read this.
- With the newsletter, it’s like news on one stage, and the spotlight is on you. Everything you do has to rise to the level of belonging on that stage, and it forces you to step up your game. You can’t write filler. You can’t write throwaways. You’ve got to keep growing and just do everything at that level.
- When I started The Ankler, I said, “OK, I’m just going to try out this thing.” I sent it to five friends and said, “Just keep this to yourself, read it, and give me your thoughts on it.” I kept adding on a few people every issue. If you want this to be your job, the second you turn the lights on, you’ve got to treat this as a job. Go to an office, or go to some place you sit every day, and work all day. Act like you have a boss sitting next to you, keeping an eye on your schedule.
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