# The Ankler

**Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/the-ankler  
**Vertical:** Media & Publishing  
**Subcategory:** General  
**Tier:** Challenger  
**Website:** theankler.com  
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-14

## Summary

Independent Hollywood trade newsletter by Richard Rushfield; subscription-based entertainment industry analysis competing with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

## Company Overview

The Ankler is an independent trade publication covering the entertainment industry — Hollywood studios, streaming platforms, talent agencies, production companies, and the business of entertainment — providing insider analysis, reported news, and commentary targeted at industry professionals. Founded in 2019 by Richard Rushfield, a veteran entertainment journalist previously at BuzzFeed and Variety, The Ankler operates on a subscription newsletter model that has built a loyal following among entertainment executives, agents, producers, and journalists who value its unfiltered perspective on industry dynamics.

The Ankler's content covers the strategic decisions of major studios (Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix, Amazon), the streaming wars and their economic sustainability, talent representation shifts, the impact of the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes, and the ongoing restructuring of Hollywood's business model. Rushfield's voice is distinctive — combining insider access, sharp analysis, and occasional irreverence that differentiates The Ankler from trade publications like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter that must maintain broad industry relationships.

In 2025, The Ankler has expanded from Rushfield's solo newsletter to a multi-writer publication with contributors covering different industry beats, positioning itself as a premium subscription alternative to free trade publication content. The Hollywood trade publication market has seen significant disruption — parent companies of major trades have faced financial pressure, while independent newsletters with loyal paid subscribers have proven surprisingly resilient business models. The Ankler competes with Puck News, Deadline Hollywood, and the major trades for Hollywood insider readership and competes with all premium Substack newsletters for entertainment professional subscription dollars.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is The Ankler?
The Ankler is a Los Angeles-based Hollywood and entertainment industry newsletter founded in 2020 by veteran entertainment journalist Janice Min. It provides insider coverage and analysis of the media and entertainment business, serving as a must-read publication for industry professionals.

### What products and services does The Ankler offer?
The Ankler offers an entertainment industry newsletter that provides Hollywood insider coverage and media business analysis. It operates as a profitable subscription-based newsletter business focused on entertainment industry news and insights.

### Who is The Ankler's target audience?
The Ankler serves entertainment industry executives and professionals with a strong subscriber base among entertainment professionals. It is considered a must-read publication for those working in Hollywood and the entertainment business.

### When was The Ankler founded?
The Ankler was founded in 2020 by veteran entertainment journalist Janice Min. The company participated in Y Combinator's Winter 2022 batch (W22).

### Where is The Ankler located?
The Ankler is based in Los Angeles, California, positioning it at the heart of the Hollywood entertainment industry.

### How much funding has The Ankler raised and from whom?
The Ankler has raised $2 million in funding from Goodwater Capital, Imagination Capital, Pioneer Fund, and Y Combinator.

### What are The Ankler's key financial metrics and achievements?
The Ankler achieved $5-10 million in revenue in 2024 and projects $10 million in revenue for 2025. The company operates a profitable subscription newsletter business, demonstrating strong growth in the media journalism space.

### What is The Ankler's approach to entertainment journalism?
The Ankler focuses on providing insider perspective and coverage of the Hollywood business, offering in-depth analysis of media and entertainment industry developments. The newsletter delivers must-read content specifically tailored for entertainment industry insiders.

### How can someone access The Ankler's content?
The Ankler operates as a subscription-based newsletter business. Interested readers can subscribe to receive insider coverage and analysis of the entertainment industry.

### What are The Ankler's recent developments?
The Ankler recently secured $2 million in funding from Goodwater Capital, Imagination Capital, Pioneer Fund, and Y Combinator. The company achieved $5-10 million in revenue in 2024 and projects $10 million in revenue for 2025 while maintaining profitability.

## Tags

b2c, media, gaming

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*Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*