Local News Matters: Recent Episodes

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Dan Harris, podcast host, author of 10% Happier and former ABC News anchor, shares his journey from covering war zones to discovering mindfulness and meditation. He discusses the toll of high-stress journalism on mental health, including his on-air panic attack, and how meditation became a transformative tool. Harris also addresses misconceptions about meditation, its benefits for managing anxiety, and why it doesn’t mean losing your edge.

Harris opens up about leadership and entrepreneurship, reflecting on the challenges of co-founding a business, managing adversity, and learning to lead with greater emotional awareness. He explains how tools like therapy, mindfulness, and building strong relationships have helped him navigate life’s ups and downs, both personally and professionally.

The conversation also explores modern masculinity, the epidemic of loneliness, and the importance of friendships. Harris shares insights on how vulnerability and connection can improve well-being and why relationships are the key to a healthier, happier life.

Episode chapters:

(00:04:34) - Dan Harris on his early journalism journey

(00:09:06) - Ambition, anxiety and success as a young reporter

(00:13:32) - War reporting, big-T vs. little-T trauma, and industry support

(00:20:19) - From panic attack to discovering meditation

(00:25:35) - Misconceptions about meditation

(00:30:25) - Meditation and maintaining your edge

(00:37:57) - The pantheon of no brainers: Other tools for mental health and well-being

(00:44:23) - Never worry alone

(00:48:56) - Navigating the split with the Ten Percent Happier app co-founders

(00:55:25) - Handling criticism as a leader

(01:02:37) - Maintaining your team’s well being

(01:06:53) - Masculinity, male friendships and emotional openness

(01:15:39) - Rapid-fire questions

Listen to the episode here: Links: * Show notes * Dan Harris: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter

• Mentioned
• ABC News
• Good Morning America
• PBS NewsHour
• Writing Broadcast News — Shorter, Sharper, Stronger by Mervin Block
• New England Cable News (NECN)
• World News Now
• No Time to Panic by Matt Gutman
• The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté
• Gabor Maté on 10% Happier
• Mark Epstein
• Jeff Warren
• Amishi Jha
• Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
• After the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield
• Sister True Dedication
• Brené Brown
• Harvard Study of Adult Development
• Esther Perel
• Lewis Howes

• Reboot by Jerry Colonna

• Local recommendation (New York)

• Hotel Chelsea

• Local News Matters: Website, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: Website, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: Bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Samantha Ragland (American Press Institute), Randy Picht and Andrew Finlayson (RJI Burnout Report), Laura Frank (COLab), Jennifer Larino (Lede New Orleans), Katherine Ann Rowlands (Bay City News), Jim O’Rourke (O’Rourke Media Group), Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Samantha Ragland, vice president of journalism programs at the American Press Institute, shares practical strategies for fostering mental health and well-being in newsrooms. She highlights how prioritizing people can lead to exceptional journalism and stronger newsroom culture.

Ragland explores the balance between leadership and care, offering insights on building psychological safety, managing workloads, and fostering resilience. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing unique challenges faced by journalists of color and women, providing actionable steps for newsroom leaders to support diverse teams effectively.

From rethinking urgency to embracing creativity in leadership, Ragland illustrates how newsrooms of all sizes can thrive by building connections and redefining success. Her compelling stories and candid reflections make this a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of local journalism.

Episode chapters:

(00:03:51) - Sustainability from both the people and the business perspective

(00:08:26) - Start by prioritizing the people in your organization

(00:17:31) - Moving from hero to host to get things off your plate

(00:23:36) - Delegating, stopping tasks, and managing workload

(00:28:51) - Developing early career journalists

(00:36:07) - Re-examine story requirements, enlist technology and partners and stop multitasking

(00:43:23) - Manage the sense of urgency in the newsroom, take a break and set boundaries

(00:51:36) - Manage your story and sentiment mix

(00:59:18) - Authentic leadership and managing journalists of color

(01:24:09) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:31:05) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Show notes * Samantha Ragland: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram * American Press Institute

• Mentioned
• First episode on burnout with RJI
• Poynter Institute
• Leadership Academy for Women in Media
• Michael Bolden (LNM episode)
• World Mental Health Day
• Mental Health in Journalism Summit by The Self-Investigation
• Palm Beach Post
• National Equity Project
• Elements of Style by Strunk and White
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser
• Deep Work by Cal Newport
• A World Without Email by Cal Newport

• Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

• Local recommendations

• Palm Beach Clock Tower
• Havana (restaurant)
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center
• Paddleboarding/kayaking in intracoastal areas

• Tacos

• Media recommendations

• Crash Landing on You (Netflix) and other Korean dramas
• What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

• Buffalo Dance by Frank X Walker

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Randy Picht and Andrew Finlayson (RJI Burnout Report), Laura Frank (COLab), Jennifer Larino (Lede New Orleans), Katherine Ann Rowlands (Bay City News), Jim O’Rourke (O’Rourke Media Group), Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Randy Picht, executive director of the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, and Andrew Finlayson, executive vice president of digital and AI strategies at SmithGeiger, share insights from their landmark study on burnout in journalism. They discuss why 80% of journalists see burnout as a critical issue, how it's driving attrition and the solutions newsroom leaders can implement to foster healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

From addressing workload challenges and newsroom culture to exploring flexible schedules and prioritizing agency, they highlight actionable steps that news organizations of all sizes can take. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of burnout, including its impact on morale, the industry's talent pipeline and journalism's vital role in democracy.

The episode offers a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities facing newsrooms, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues while recognizing the passion and purpose that keep many journalists committed to their work.

Episode chapters: (00:02:45) - The RJI study’s goal: Addressing burnout with actionable solutions

(00:10:27) - Why burnout is a critical issue that must be addressed

(00:14:59) - Key findings: Pessimism, lost experience & youth, danger & social media (00:26:24) - Passion under pressure: Why journalists stay despite the challenges (00:31:46) - Top solutions for addressing burnout in newsrooms (00:38:41) - Stop doing lists and balancing flexibility with 24/7 news cycles

(00:44:20) - Surprising findings around vacations and feedback (00:50:37) - Next steps for research and solution development (00:57:05) - Rapid-fire questions (01:09:53) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Show notes * Randy Picht: LinkedIn, Twitter * Andrew Finlayson: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram * Reynolds Journalism Institute * SmithGeiger Group

• Mentioned

• The State of Work-Life Balance in Journalism report by Muck Rack (see also Poynter article)

• Local recommendations

• Columbia, Missouri
• True/False Film Festival
• Mizzou Tigers (SEC Football)

• Columbia, Missouri Parks and Trails

• Franklin, Tennessee

• Franklin Battlefield and Carton Plantation

• McGavock Confederate Cemetery

• Media recommendations

• Randy
• Slow Horses
• The Ezra Klein Show

• Media Copilot by Pete Pachal

• Andrew

• The Pianist
• Life is Beautiful
• Schindler's List
• Europa Europa

• Downfall

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Laura Frank (COLab), Jennifer Larino (Lede New Orleans), Katherine Ann Rowlands (Bay City News), Jim O’Rourke (O’Rourke Media Group), Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Laura Frank, head of the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab), shares insights into sustaining local journalism through collaboration, innovation, and addressing critical challenges. She highlights COLab’s role in supporting over 180 Colorado newsrooms with reporting, engagement, revenue models, and resource sharing, while addressing the “fried and frozen” state many journalists face today.

Laura discusses the evolution of Colorado’s journalism ecosystem, noting how trust, partnerships, and years of groundwork have made the state a hub for innovation and collaborative media initiatives. We also discuss how to foster deeper connections between newsrooms and communities and share strategies for addressing polarization and misinformation at the local level.

From revitalizing rural news to pioneering shared services and experimenting with new audience engagement tools, Laura explores the systemic solutions needed to sustain local news. She also dives into the power of community partnerships and the vital role philanthropy must play in ensuring that newsrooms not only survive but thrive.

Episode chapters:

(00:04:21) - What is COLab and why was it founded?

(00:07:46) - The formation of Colorado’s innovative journalism ecosystem

(00:10:18) - The “fried and frozen” phenomenon in newsrooms

(00:14:22) - Shared services to address newsroom challenges

(00:19:58) - Reconnecting news organizations and communities

(00:29:31) - Tackling news avoidance

(00:37:22) - Partnering with community organizations

(00:40:52) - On being responsive to community needs

(00:49:40) - Local news in the national landscape

(01:02:06) - Funding and tapping into existing resources

(01:10:35) - Success in the Press Forward era of journalism

(01:19:19) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:32:10) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Show notes * Laura Frank: LinkedIn, Twitter * Colorado News Collaborative * Amplify Colorado * Voter Voices

• Mentioned
• Rocky Mountain PBS
• Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)
• University of Denver
• Associated Press
• Colorado Media Project
• Press Forward
• Knight Foundation
• Dick Tofel and Second Rough Draft
• News Revenue Hub
• Hearken
• Above the Noise
• Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation
• Rebuild Local News
• SCORE
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Colorado Workforce Development Council

• Macon365: Macon Arts Alliance Calendar

• Local recommendations

• Alluvial Fan at Rocky Mountain National Park
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Strawberry Park Hot Springs

• Big Bill's Pizza

• Media recommendations

• Reviving Rural News by Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews, Patrick Ferrucci
• Avoiding the News by Benjamin Toff, Ruth Palmer, Rasmus Kleis Nielsen
• Find Your News

• Colorado Trust for Local News

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jennifer Larino (Lede New Orleans), Katherine Ann Rowlands (Bay City News), Jim O’Rourke (O’Rourke Media Group), Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Jennifer Larino, executive director of Lede New Orleans, shares how her organization is reshaping local journalism by training young BIPOC storytellers to address community information needs. She discusses the origins of Lede New Orleans, the challenges of building an inclusive newsroom, and the importance of creating trusted spaces where community voices are heard and amplified.

Jennifer explains how slowing down in the reporting process has allowed her team to engage deeply with their community, resulting in innovative approaches like their Community Reporting Fellowship. She also highlights the unique programs at Lede New Orleans, from multimedia storytelling workshops to short documentaries, and emphasizes the value of centering young voices in journalism.

The conversation delves into the practicalities of sustaining this work, from funding strategies to measuring impact in meaningful ways. Jennifer also reflects on the power of collaboration with non-journalists, the role of mentorship, and the importance of fostering trust in local news ecosystems.

Episode chapters:(00:03:09) - Founding Lede New Orleans and addressing gaps in representation

(00:09:41) - Underrepresented communities in a media swamp

(00:15:23) - Lede New Orleans programs

(00:23:11) - Engaging the audience and experimenting with content partnerships

(00:28:05) - The challenges and benefits of slowing down

(00:33:25) - Funding and financial sustainability for slow journalism

(00:39:44) - Measuring impact: Community trust and alumni outcomes

(00:45:43) - Collaborating with non-journalists and reimagining storytelling

(00:50:41) - For younger multimedia journalists, look at your training, leadership and management styles

(00:56:53) - How the JSK Fellowship catalyzed Lede New Orleans

(01:01:46) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:25:34) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Show notes * Jennifer Larino: LinkedIn , Twitter, Instagram * Lede New Orleans

• Mentioned
• Press Forward
• The Times-Picayune
• New Orleans CityBusiness
• JSK Fellowships at Stanford University
• Advance Local
• The Advocate
• Ejaaz Mason
• YR Media
• Verite
• Canopy Atlanta
• City Bureau

• Grow Dat Youth Farm

• Local recommendations

• Jennifer’s Google map with New Orlean’s recommendations
• Cafe Du Monde
• City Park
• Lake Pontchartrain
• 1000 Figs
• Preservation Hall

• Tipitina’s

• Media recommendations

• Verite News
• TransLash

• Canopy Atlanta

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Katherine Ann Rowlands (Bay City News), Jim O’Rourke (O’Rourke Media Group), Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Katherine Ann Rowlands, owner and publisher of Bay City News, shares insights into the unique hybrid model of her organization, which has served the San Francisco Bay Area with round-the-clock news coverage for 45 years. She discusses Bay City News’ evolution from a pure newswire service into a dual operation that includes the nonprofit site Local News Matters. This hybrid structure helps provide essential coverage to underserved communities while meeting the needs of media and business clients and the general public. Rowlands highlights the challenges of balancing for-profit and nonprofit revenue streams to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other regions.

Rowlands also addresses the importance of collaboration over competition in local journalism. With many news organizations competing for limited resources, she advocates for shared coverage efforts that can free up reporters to pursue more in-depth and investigative stories. She shares examples of Bay City News’ work that has impacted local policies.

The conversation touches on Rowlands’ commitment to supporting the next generation of journalists through paid internships and capacity-building efforts, while also advocating for greater gender diversity in media leadership. Rowlands explains how diversifying revenue and leveraging innovative tools like AI have positioned Bay City News to grow its impact and improve accessibility to critical local news across platforms.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:50) - History of Bay City News

(00:07:36) - The news service model

(00:14:42) - Collaboration and competition in local news

(00:16:52) - Launching Local News Matters, partnerships and expansion

(00:22:28) - Advice for replicating the Bay City News model in other regions

(00:29:48) - Impact of Bay City News on local reporting

(00:34:06) - Balancing client needs with community coverage

(00:38:20) - Entrepreneurship and imposter syndrome

(00:42:00) - Resilience, revenue diversification and capacity building

(00:50:17) - Gender diversity in journalism leadership

(00:55:08) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:04:06) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Katherine Rowlands: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram * Bay City News * LocalNewsMatters.org

• Mentioned
• Macalester College
• London School of Economics
• Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
• JSK Fellowship Program at Stanford University
• CalMatters
• EdSource
• The Mendocino Voice
• Piedmont Exedra
• Radio Sausalito
• KZYX
• Knight Foundation
• American Journalism Project (AJP)
• Press Forward Initiative
• Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS)
• Women Do News

• San Quentin News

• Local recommendations

• Grizzly Peak
• UC Berkeley campus

• Zachary’s Pizza

• Media recommendations

• Newsroom Robots podcast
• Prison Truth by William Drummond

• Radio Sausalito

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jim O’Rourke (O’Rourke Media Group), Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Jim O'Rourke, CEO and founder of O'Rourke Media Group, shares his journey in local media, from delivering newspapers as a kid to founding a rapidly growing digital-first publishing chain. O'Rourke discusses his approach to acquiring and revitalizing local newspapers, investing in local talent and growing the digital business. He outlines the strategic choices that have guided O'Rourke Media’s success, including his firm stance against paywalls and his commitment to community-focused journalism and sales.

In the face of industry pressures, O'Rourke explains why he values small and midsize markets and how he's developed O'Rourke Media Group’s sustainable model by prioritizing advertiser relationships, high-quality local reporting, and new digital revenue streams. He discusses his philosophy on embracing sponsored content as a core revenue source while carefully navigating editorial integrity—a delicate balance that he believes is essential for the future of local news.

O'Rourke also explores his renewed investment in print, noting the value print editions hold for both advertisers and local audiences. Reflecting on key lessons learned, he details his experiences working under Berkshire Hathaway, why he finds potential in digital agency services, and his vision for the future, including expanding into more communities and a possible employee ownership model.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:59) - Overview of O’Rourke Media Group

(00:04:51) - Jim’s journey from paper delivery to media leadership

(00:10:32) - Founding O'Rourke Media Group after private equity fell through

(00:17:59) - Why local news is still a great investment

(00:21:46) - Balancing sales and editorial resources, local and centralized support

(00:29:49) - The importance of maintaining brand trust and relationships

(00:37:21) - Expanding digital while avoiding paywalls

(00:42:22) - Sponsored content and adapting digital revenue streams

(00:49:12) - Relaunching print in Milton, Vermont

(00:52:59) - The challenges of printing presses

(01:00:30) - Lessons from working at Berkshire Hathaway’s World Book

(01:03:18) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:22:14) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Show notes * Jim O’Rourke: LinkedIn * O’Rourke Media Group

• Mentioned
• St. Albans Messenger
• Joe Mathes
• Chaffee County Times
• Herald Democrat
• Pagosa Springs Sun
• Aurora Sentinel
• Las Vegas Optic
• Milton Independent
• Founders podcast #368 Rockefeller's Autobiography
• Founders podcast #367 Inside the Contrarian Mind of Sam Zell

• Shark Tank

• Local recommendations

• Hiking in Arizona

• Golf in Arizona

• Media recommendations

• Good Morning America
• ABC World News Tonight with David Muir on TikTok
• New York Times
• LinkedIn
• Founders podcast
• Local News Matters podcast
• E&P Reports vodcast

• Local Marketing Trends podcast with Gordon Borrell

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci (Reviving Local News), Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews and Pat Ferrucci, authors of Reviving Rural News: Finding a Sustainable Future for Community Journalism, explore the unique challenges facing rural newspapers in the wake of the local news industry's financial crisis. They discuss their yearlong experiment with a Kansas newspaper, offering insights into how small community-based outlets can diversify revenue streams and reconnect with their readers. The conversation highlights the disconnect between traditional business models and the needs of both rural publishers and their audiences.

The guests also touch on the psychological and organizational barriers that hinder innovation in local newsrooms. From reluctance to explore new revenue sources like philanthropy to the ongoing devaluation of journalism, they offer candid perspectives on why rural news must evolve to survive. Key takeaways include lessons on pricing, the power of e-newsletters and the role of newspapers as vital community institutions.

With practical examples from their case study in Kansas, the discussion reveals how local publishers can take small but significant steps to adapt their business models and better serve their communities.

Episode chapters: (00:03:13) - Origins of the Reviving Rural News project and the COVID-era struggles of rural newspapers

(00:07:03) - The uniqueness of rural journalism and the resilience of community newspapers

(00:12:03) - The challenges of journalism research, especially around business models

(00:18:23) - Take my money, please: Reluctance to change

(00:20:50) - How we got here: History of the penny press model

(00:24:39) - Disconnects between the business models readers want and what publishers offer

(00:28:34) - Why newspapers are reluctant to change

(00:34:55) - Revenue models and returning newspapers to their role as community institution

(00:42:07) - Raising prices as an imperative for many community newspapers

(00:51:09) - The importance of both print and e-newsletters in rural communities

(00:58:22) - Steps for small publishers: Where to begin with change

Links: * Show notes and transcript * Teri Finneman: Twitter/X, * Patrick Ferrucci: Twitter/X, * Nick Matthews: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Reviving Rural News * William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at University of Kansas * College of Media, Communication and Information at University of Colorado Boulder * Missouri School of Journalism

• Mentioned
• Eudora Times
• CODA Ventures
• Southern Newspaper Publishers Association (SNPA) Foundation
• Kansas Press Association
• Kansas Publishing Ventures
• Bismarck Tribune
• Mather Economics
• Stratechery
• Paste
• Spin

• Creem

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Nic Dawes (THE CITY), Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Nic Dawes, executive director of THE CITY, discusses the vital role nonprofit journalism plays in New York’s shrinking local news ecosystem. He explains how his organization fills coverage gaps left by retrenching legacy media, focusing on investigative reporting and service journalism to meet the needs of New Yorkers across all boroughs.

Dawes also delves into THE CITY’s unique strategies for community engagement, including open newsrooms and dynamic beat assignments, allowing them to stay responsive to the city's most pressing issues. He highlights how their mission-driven approach prioritizes impact over viral traffic, balancing coverage for both affluent media-savvy readers and underserved communities.

On the business side, Dawes shares insights on nonprofit journalism’s financial sustainability, from leveraging philanthropy and membership to navigating New York’s competitive fundraising environment. He reflects on his transition from large global organizations to a leaner, more focused newsroom, where the immediacy of local impact offers both challenges and rewards.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:19) - Why THE CITY is needed in New York's media-rich environment

(00:06:59) - THE CITY's structure and coverage areas

(00:10:10) - Maintaining local focus and resisting viral traffic for its own sake

(00:13:29) - Serving two distinct audiences in New York City

(00:17:34) - Using open newsrooms to engage with the community

(00:20:36) - Financial sustainability at THE CITY

(00:29:51) - Transitioning from large media organizations to smaller teams

(00:35:46) - Challenges of maintaining a diverse newsroom

(00:37:12) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:50:52) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Show notes with transcript * Nic Dawes: Linkedln, Twitter, Threads * THECITY.NYC

• Mentioned
• Human Rights Watch
• Hindustan Times
• The Mail & Guardian
• Gwynne Hogan
• Rosalind Adams
• Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
• NYC Mayor’s Office of Community and Ethnic Media
• Press Forward

• American Journalism Project

• Local recommendations

• NYC beaches, especially Jacob Riis Beach
• New York Food Court
• Staten Island Ferry
• Museum of the City of New York
• KGB Bar
• New Asha

• Dhamaka

• Media recommendations

• Odd Lots podcast
• Chartbook

• Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Allison Taylor Levine (Local News Initiative Delaware), Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Allison Taylor Levine, founder and CEO of the Local Journalism Initiative, shares her insights into building a nonprofit collaborative newsroom and the importance of local news to democracy. She discusses the challenges of launching the initiative in Delaware, from creating internship programs to fostering collaboration among local newsrooms. Levine highlights how Spotlight Delaware, LJI’s flagship project, focuses on policy coverage and public engagement to fill critical gaps in the local news ecosystem.

Levine also explores the role of community foundations in supporting journalism, explaining how these institutions can serve as partners, not just funders. She offers practical advice for newsrooms looking to collaborate with community foundations, outlining the importance of understanding their unique funding models and leveraging their strengths as conveners.

In addition to discussing the financial sustainability of nonprofit journalism, Levine dives into innovative revenue models like mission-aligned sponsored content. With her background in journalism, marketing, and philanthropy, she explains how storytelling and community engagement are central to the success of local news organizations.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:13) - Starting the Local Journalism Initiative

(00:04:30) - The role of community foundations

(00:09:33) - Convening and partnering with community foundations

(00:11:56) - The need for a new journalism initiative in Delaware

(00:18:38) - Engaging funders and explaining the importance of local news

(00:24:51) - Rehabilitating local news perceptions and reality

(00:31:17) - LJI structure and journalism as a dialogue

(00:34:43) - Collaborative journalism to strengthen newsrooms throughout the state

(00:41:19) - Building financial sustainability for LJI and sponsored content’s surprising role

(00:46:38) - Speaking the languages of journalist, funder and community

(00:50:19) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:58:02) - Media and local recommendations

Show notes

Links: * Allison Taylor Levine: Linkedln, Instagram * Local Journalism Initiative * Spotlight Delaware

• Mentioned
• Delaware Community Foundation
• Solutions Journalism Network
• Stuart Comstock-Gay
• UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
• American Journalism Project
• Longwood Foundation
• Texas Tribune
• Jake Owens

• Institute for Nonprofit News

• Local recommendations

• Delaware beaches
• Longwood Gardens
• Lums Pond State Park

• Star of India

• Media recommendations

• Jessica Yellin’s News Not Noise
• The Second Mountain by David Brooks

• What is the What by Dave Eggers

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Crystal Good (Black by God), Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Crystal Good, founder and publisher of Black by God | The West Virginian, discusses her journey from poet and advocate to media entrepreneur, building a publication that centers on Black voices and stories in Central Appalachia. She shares her approach to rural journalism, blending reported news, features, and community writing to serve a population often overlooked by traditional media. Crystal also delves into the challenges and opportunities of creating a sustainable revenue model for a local news outlet.

As she talks through her vision, Crystal emphasizes the importance of preserving authentic voices, building trust with readers, and fostering community participation. Her unique “folk reporters” program empowers citizen journalists to cover civic issues and public meetings. Crystal also shares her plans to leverage technology to amplify Black stories in the region and highlights the need for Black joy in media coverage.

The conversation covers the broader landscape of rural BIPOC communities, West Virginia’s interaction with national politics, and how a background in poetry influences Crystal’s storytelling approach. With a mission to build community, inspire action, and reflect the diverse reality of Appalachia, Crystal is redefining what local news can be.

Episode chapters:

(00:03:06) - The origin story of Black by God

(00:07:18) - The need for Black-centered news in West Virginia

(00:11:10) - Black by God’s audience as rings of influence

(00:13:32) - Innovation and technology in rural journalism

(00:17:07) - Transparency, advocacy and voice in journalism

(00:24:08) - Citizen journalism and the Folk Reporters program

(00:28:42) - Preserving voice and authenticity in storytelling

(00:32:05) - Managing a one-woman publication and finding support

(00:35:24) - Reflecting Black joy and the unique needs and challenges of rural BIPOC communities

(00:40:01) - Influence of Crystal’s poetry background on her journalism

(00:42:02) - West Virginia perspectives on national politics

(00:45:01) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:51:08) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Crystal Good: Linkedln, Twitter/X * Black by God | The West Virginian https://blackbygod.org/

• Mentioned
• West Virginia University
• The Beacon Digest
• Carter G. Woodson
• Booker T. Washington
• Steve Harvey
• Bill Withers
• Katherine Johnson
• Hidden Figures
• Press Forward
• Tiny News Collective
• Indiegraf
• Squared Away

• The Kerner Commission Report

• Local recommendations

• New River Gorge
• Charleston, West Virginia
• Drive through Northern West Virginia and Harpers Ferry
• Drive through Southern West Virginia
• Restaurants of James Beard award-winning chef Paul Smith

• Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson

• Media recommendations

• Media 2070 Report
• Black Iowa News

• Andi Marie Tillman

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Lisa Snowden (Baltimore Beat), Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

View Details

Lisa Snowden, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Baltimore Beat, shares her journey from being a reporter to running a Black-led newsroom dedicated to covering Baltimore’s diverse communities. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of sustaining a nonprofit news outlet, supported by a seven-figure donation that helped stabilize the Beat after its initial struggles as a for-profit venture. Lisa emphasizes the importance of intentional, community-centered journalism that aims to elevate underrepresented voices and provide a nuanced perspective on Baltimore’s complex social issues.

She also delves into the dynamics of diversity within newsrooms, the need to foster an inclusive environment, and the unique challenges Black-led media face in navigating networks of power. Lisa highlights the Baltimore Beat’s approach to journalism as a means of empowering residents through trustworthy storytelling and tangible community engagement, such as the Beat Box initiative distributing both newspapers and essential goods.

With reflections on the current state of local news, Lisa offers insights into maintaining sustainable and impactful reporting amidst an ever-changing media landscape, particularly for underserved audiences.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:40) - Origins of Baltimore Beat and Lisa’s journalism journey

(00:09:42) - Financial planning after a seven-figure donation

(00:12:35) - Baltimore’s diverse communities and the need for another news source

(00:17:41) - Sustainably reaching underserved audiences and the role of print

(00:23:29) - Diversity challenges in newsrooms and fostering inclusion

(00:34:22) - Black publishers and navigating networks of power

(00:40:31) - Transitioning to leadership and lessons in entrepreneurship

(00:50:37) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:02:32) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Lisa Snowden: Linkedln,Twitter/X * Baltimore Beat

• Mentioned
• Towson University
• Baltimore Sun
• LION Publishers
• The Real News Network
• Baltimore Museum of Art
• Baltimore AFRO American Newspapers
• Baltimore Times

• Episode with Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita of URL Media

• Local recommendations

• Nick's Fish House
• Koco’s Pub

• Think beyond the inner harbor

• Media recommendations

• News For All the People by Juan Gonázlez and Joseph Torres
• Capital B
• Outlier Media
• MLK 50

• The TRiiBe

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Karen Rundlet (INN), Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Karen Rundlet, CEO and executive director of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), discusses the increasing importance of philanthropy in sustaining local journalism. She shares insights from her time at Knight Foundation, where she helped launch initiatives like NewsMatch and Press Forward, and explores how nonprofit newsrooms can diversify revenue streams to build sustainable operations. Rundlet emphasizes that supporting an informed public, not just journalism, is critical in today’s landscape.

She also highlights the role of local news in fostering community connection, touching on how INN members are covering vital issues like municipal government, education and culture. Rundlet discusses the importance of engaging local funders and ensuring that newsrooms help solve community problems by being transparent, impactful and connected.

Rundlet reflects on the future of local news, from addressing news avoidance to ensuring transparency in funding. She explores how organizations can focus on accountability, co-design content with their communities and maintain mental health and sustainability for both leaders and journalists.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:21) - Reflections on Knight Foundation, NewsMatch and fundraising in local news

(00:11:30) - Engaging local funders and the role of local news in community building

(00:16:51) - It’s not “save journalism.” Save an informed public.

(00:25:31) - The role of support organizations in strengthening news ecosystems

(00:30:14) - Operating support, transparency and other issues in funding

(00:36:17) - Addressing news avoidance and making news useful

(00:38:57) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:50:33) - Media and local recommendations

Listen to the episode here: Links: * Karen Rundlet: Linkedln,Twitter/X * Institute for Nonprofit News

• Mentioned
• Knight Foundation
• NewsMatch
• Press Forward
• Miami Herald
• WNBC
• WLRN
• ProPublica
• PBS NewsHour
• Hechinger Report
• Ben Thompson
• Earn Your Press Pass

• New Mexico In Depth

• Local recommendations

• Pérez Art Museum Miami
• B & M Market

• Cuban coffee

• Media recommendations

• If I Survive You by Jonathan Ostroffery
• Ten Percent Happier podcast by Dan Harris
• The Daily

• Political Miami

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

View Details

Jim Brady, vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation, shares his insights into the current state of local journalism and the quest for sustainability. He discusses Press Forward, a $500 million-plus national initiative aimed at supporting local news. Drawing on his extensive experience in digital media, Jim reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing local news outlets today, with an optimistic view of how new technologies and business models can help them thrive.

He also emphasizes the role of philanthropy in creating a stronger, more resilient local news ecosystem. From increasing audience engagement to reducing operational costs, Jim explores how local journalism can adapt to the evolving media landscape. He also touches on the importance of rebuilding trust with audiences and the need to reconnect local news with community needs.

Throughout the conversation, Jim highlights how local news plays a vital role in a functioning democracy, advocating for a collective effort to ensure its future. Whether through innovative startups or legacy media adapting to new realities, the future of local journalism hinges on collaboration and creativity.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:23) - The state of local news: Challenges and progress

(00:09:33) - Building infrastructure for local news sustainability

(00:15:31) - The “huddling for warmth” phase of journalism

(00:25:53) - Press Forward’s national effort to save local news

(00:31:10) - Public awareness of the local news crisis

(00:34:10) - Adapting to the new reality

(00:37:16) - Hopes for a transformed news ecosystem

(00:48:03) - Trust, bubbles, and journalism’s future

(00:58:07) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:05:47) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Jim Brady: Linkedln,Twitter/X * Knight Foundation

• Mentioned
• Press Forward
• The Washington Post
• AOL
• ESPN
• Seattle Times
• News Revenue Hub
• Billy Penn
• Newspack
• WordPress
• Indie Graf
• Tiny News Collective
• Jennifer Preston
• American Journalism Project
• Report for America
• Institute for Nonprofit News
• LION Publishers
• Kansas City Defender
• Big Bets by Raj Shah
• Gates Foundation
• USAID
• Rockefeller Foundation
• KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Documenters
• Salt Lake Tribune
• The Daily Memphian
• The Baltimore Banner
• LMA (Local Media Association)

• Bloom Lab

• Local recommendations

• El Carajo
• Joe’s Stone Crab
• Coconut Grove
• Coral Gables
• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
• Miami Beach

• Wynwood

• Media recommendations

• 12 Angry Men (1957)
• Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch
• Moving Pictures by Rush
• The Silence of the Lambs (book) by Thomas Harris
• Annie (musical)

• Annie (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Candice Fortman, former executive director of Outlier Media, shares her journey transforming local journalism in Detroit. She reflects on the innovative service journalism model she helped build, which focuses on filling critical information gaps for underserved communities. Candice discusses how Outlier evolved from a scrappy startup into a well-respected newsroom known for directly addressing residents’ needs through text messaging and other community-centered approaches.

Candice offers insights into the challenges of scaling and funding local journalism, particularly in economically struggling areas like Detroit. She also reflects on her leadership growth, her partnership with Outlier’s founder Sarah Alvarez, and how they navigated the impact of COVID-19 on local news. Looking ahead, Candice talks about her excitement for new opportunities and her commitment to telling stories that matter to local communities.

Listeners will find inspiration in Candice’s vision of journalism as a public good and her advice for newsrooms that want to make a lasting impact through deep community engagement.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:30) - The mission and model of Outlier Media

(00:07:26) - Scaling and evolving Outlier Media’s operations

(00:11:34) - Fundraising challenges and merging with MuckRock

(00:14:51) - COVID-19, text messaging and refocusing on local information needs

(00:23:21) - Journalism as a public good

(00:27:57) - Candice’s leadership journey and growth

(00:35:32) - Growing up Black in Detroit

(00:43:13) - Fundraising advice and community impact

(00:49:22) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:57:26) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Candice Fortman: Linkedln,Twitter/X * Outlier Media * JSK Fellowships at Stanford University

• Mentioned
• Sarah Alvarez
• City Bureau
• Documenters
• MuckRock
• Jay Hamilton
• Conecta Arizona
• Baltimore Beat
• WDET
• Michigan Public Radio
• Oaklandside

• MLK50

• Local recommendations

• Riverwalk (Detroit)
• Source Booksellers
• Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
• Eastern Market
• Motor City Wine

• Cutter’s Bar and Grill

• Media recommendations

• She Has A Name podcast by Tonya Mosley
• “The Nonprofit Hospital That Makes Millions, Owns a Collection Agency and Relentlessly Sues the Poor” by Wendi Thomas (MLK50/ProPublica)
• Renaissance by Beyonce
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

• Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, executive director of Resolve Philly, delves into the evolution of the nonprofit newsroom and its mission to address the information needs of underserved communities in Philadelphia. She discusses the critical role of equity in journalism, sharing how Resolve Philly has integrated this principle into both its internal practices and editorial work. Jean also highlights the power of collaboration in local news, offering insights into how Resolve Philly has effectively partnered with other newsrooms to tackle issues like reentry and poverty.

Additionally, Jean explores the importance of community engagement and participatory journalism, describing how Resolve Philly involves residents in the news creation process. She provides practical advice for newsrooms looking to incorporate these elements, even with limited resources. Jean also touches on the strategic decisions behind funding, emphasizing the need for diverse revenue streams and the importance of avoiding competition with partner newsrooms.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:19) - The mission and founding of Resolve Philly

(00:06:51) - The evolution and trajectory of Resolve Philly

(00:12:14) - Embedding equity in journalism and its challenges

(00:17:40) - Moving forward with equity despite national polarization

(00:22:40) - Implementing community participatory journalism

(00:28:57) - Designing a newsroom for the future of local news

(00:32:44) - Challenges and strategies in collaboration

(00:39:44) - Seven lessons in collaboration

(00:49:00) - The Philadelphia local news ecosystem

(00:59:09) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:06:35) - Media and local recommendations

Links: * Jean Friedman-Rudovsky: Linkedln, Twitter/X * Resolve Philly

• Mentioned
• Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative
• Solutions Journalism Network
• Jane Von Bergen
• The Inquirer
• Center For Cooperative Media
• Broke in Philly
• City Bureau
• Outlier Media
• Cassie Haines
• Derrick Cain
• Becka Gorelick
• Nieman Lab prediction
• The Maynard Institute
• Temple University
• Knight Foundation cities
• Lenfest Institute for Journalism
• Billy Penn
• Philabundance

• Lee Whack

• Local recommendations

• Wissahickon
• Reading Terminal Market
• Old City District

• Germantown

• Media recommendations

• Connect by David Bradford and Carole Robin
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

• Manhunt (Apple TV series)

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

View Details

Jay Rosen, a prominent media theorist and professor of journalism at New York University, discusses the critical role of local election coverage and the Citizens Agenda model as an alternative to the traditional horse race approach. He emphasizes the need for local journalists to ground election coverage in the concerns of their communities, addressing local issues and fostering a sense of reality in election news.

Rosen also explores the polarization in American politics and the unique challenges faced by local newsrooms in this environment. He advocates for a more engaged and rigorous approach to local election coverage, including thorough background research and the creation of valuable voter guides. He shares his thoughts on the role of opinion pages and endorsements in local newspapers and their impact on public trust.

Additionally, Rosen reflects on the economics of local news, highlighting various subsidy models such as advertising, memberships, and philanthropic support. He underscores the importance of citizen journalism and the evolving role of community involvement in sustaining local journalism. The discussion also delves into the enduring relevance of Neil Postman’s media theories in the internet age and the potential pathways for the future of journalism.

(00:02:55) - Election coverage and the Citizens Agenda

(00:08:33) - The importance of local election coverage

(00:14:07) - Polarization in politics and the role of local journalism

(00:19:10) - Table stakes for local election coverage

(00:22:49) - Opinion pages and endorsements in local newspapers

(00:25:56) - How the national press is handling the 2024 election

(00:33:21) - Defending democracy without inviting accusations of partisanship

(00:38:02) - The economics of local news

(00:47:38) - The role of citizen journalism

(00:52:37) - Neil Postman’s media theories in the Internet age

(01:01:40) - Signs of hope

(01:07:53) - Media recommendations

Links: * Jay Rosen: Linkedln, Twitter/X * PressThink * New York University

• Mentioned
• Membership Puzzle Project
• First Look Media
• Texas Tribune
• Press Forward
• Neil Postman
• Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

• Technopoly by Neil Postman

• Local / media recommendations:

• New York Times Innovation Report
• Beyond Objectivity: Producing Trustworthy News in Today's Newsrooms

• Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Sue Cross, the recently retired executive director of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), shares her insights on the remarkable growth and impact of nonprofit news. She highlights the evolving landscape of newsroom founders, the crucial role of community support, and strategies to maintain journalistic independence from funders.

Cross also addresses the challenges of scaling and funding newsrooms in underserved communities, the necessity for national news to be informed by local stories, and the complexities involved in converting from for-profit to nonprofit models. Her reflections offer valuable insights into sustaining local journalism and fostering innovation within the nonprofit sector.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:47) - Growth of INN and nonprofit news

(00:07:21) - The evolving profile of newsroom founders

(00:10:56) - Community relationships and support for newsrooms

(00:15:06) - Maintaining journalistic independence from funders

(00:18:25) - The challenges of scale and funding for underserved communities

(00:23:14) - Unique challenges facing nonprofit newsrooms

(00:27:34) - The need for national news to be informed by local news

(00:34:23) - Converting from a for-profit to a nonprofit newsroom

(00:45:22) - Career trajectory and evolution as a leader

(00:53:04) - Advice for support organizations

(00:56:10) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:03:15) - Local recommendations (Los Angeles)

Links: * Sue Cross: Linkedln, Twitter/X * INN

• Mentioned
• Range by David Epstein
• MLK 50
• NewsMatch
• LION
• Press Forward
• Block Club Chicago
• ProPublica
• Mother Jones
• Grist
• Salt Lake City Tribune
• Lawyers for Reporters
• Davis Wright Tremaine
• TrustLaw

• Justworks

• Local / media recommendations:

• East Sider
• LA Taco
• LA Public Press
• Witness LA
• Afro LA

• Tacos Delta

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Mary Margaret White, CEO and executive director of Mississippi Today, discusses her journey in helping readers and philanthropy understand the value of journalism as a civic good. She shares insights on the history and growth of Mississippi Today, which launched in 2016 to fill a need for Capitol reporting and has since expanded to cover a wide range of issues, including health, justice, education and climate. Under her leadership, Mississippi Today won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting and was a finalist in 2024 for an investigative collaboration with the New York Times.

White delves into the lessons learned in raising philanthropic dollars, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in fundraising and the necessity of maintaining editorial independence despite donor influences. She also highlights the need for diverse funding streams, including memberships and earned revenue, to ensure the sustainability of nonprofit newsrooms.

She also discusses the operational and legal challenges of investigative journalism and the need to balance deep dives with daily reporting. White reflects on her career in public service and how her previous roles have shaped her approach to journalism at Mississippi Today.

Episode chapters:(00:02:57) - History and growth of Mississippi Today(00:07:30) - Lessons in raising philanthropic dollars(00:12:48) - Maintaining editorial independence(00:16:21) - Diversity of funding and revenue strategies(00:19:35) - Audience engagement and growth(00:24:30) - Balancing investigative and daily reporting(00:27:04) - Legal and operational challenges in investigative journalism(00:30:30) - Insights from the American Journalism Project(00:36:05) - From public service in government to public service in journalism(00:39:26) - Rapid-fire questions(00:47:29) - Media recommendations and local Mississippi highlights

Links: * Mary Margaret White: Linkedln, Twitter/X * Mississippi Today

• Mentioned

  • Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University
  • Center for the Study of Southern Culture
  • Online News Association’s Women’s Leadership Accelerator
  • Deep South Today
  • Knight Media Forum
  • American Journalism Project
  • Press Forward
  • Frank Mungeam episode
  • Sarabeth Berman episode
  • Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
  • Larry Ryckman episode
  • Central Mississippi Blues Society
  • Scripps Howard Foundation
  • The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center at USM
  • University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media
  • Mississippi Press Association

• Media recommendations:

  • Kurt Vile
  • Gulf States Newsroom
  • Thank You, Please Come Again by Kate Medley
• Local recommendations:
  • Hal and Mal's
  • Walter Anderson Museum of Art
  • Quapaw Canoe Company
• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

View Details

Amy Kovac-Ashley, the executive director of Tiny News Collective shares insights on how Tiny News Collective supports early-stage news founders, particularly those from traditionally excluded communities, by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community.

The discussion covers the importance of diverse voices in local journalism, the challenges faced by local news startups, and the innovative ways they can engage with their audiences. Amy emphasizes the significance of understanding community needs and tailoring editorial and business strategies accordingly.

Key takeaways include the potential for local news to act as a community connector, the value of arts and culture coverage, and the need for sustainable support systems for small news organizations. Amy also highlights successful case studies, such as Future Tides and The Shout, and explores the role of new revenue opportunities in sustaining local journalism.

Episode chapters:

(02:36) - The mission of Tiny News Collective

(05:24) - Changing the face of local news

(07:43) - Arts and culture coverage as community connector

(16:43) - Building support systems for early-stage news founders

(27:03) - Tailoring support to individual needs

(31:39) - The challenges of early-stage founders

(43:19) - Scaling support

(45:46) - Criteria for joining Tiny News Collective

(48:15) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * Amy Kovac-Ashley: Linkedln, Twitter/X * The Tiny News Collective

• Mentioned
• Cara Kuhlman and Future Tides
• Mazin Sidahmed and Documented
• Jiquanda Johnson and Flint Beat
• Nancy Flores and Austin Vida
• The Shout
• Project Optimist
• Duc Luu and Knight Foundation
• Aaron Pilofar
• Heather Bryant
• Tyler Fisher
• Claudia Amaro and Planeta Venus
• Jeff Jarvis
• Jay Rosen
• Wichita Foundation
• LION Publishers
• INN (Investigative News Network)
• New Mexico Local News Fund
• Documenters

• Journalism and Design program at The New School

• Recommendations:

• Comedy;
• Mike Birbiglia and Working It Out podcast
• WTF with Marc Maron
• My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman
• John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.

• Trevor Noah stand up

• City Cast

• Northern Exposure and Northern Overexposure podcast
• The Hill Is Home

• The DC Line

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

View Details

In this episode, Michael Shapiro, founder and CEO of TAPinto, delves into his innovative franchise model for local news. He shares insights on how TAPinto helps local news publishers focus on local content and advertising by handling backend services like billing, technology and graphic design. Shapiro highlights success stories from various franchisees, discusses their new licensing option for non-franchisees, and explores the challenges and opportunities in local journalism. As newsrooms are spread thin and the industry increasingly looks to shared services models, TAPinto’s approach to providing services offers lessons well beyond their franchisees.

Links: * Michael Shapiro: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * TAPinto

• Mentioned
• Daily Targum
• Patch.com
• Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), SPJ Code of Ethics
• Saint Bonaventure University’s TAPinto Greater Olean
• TAPinto the Breeze: Bridgewater and Raritan
• Halston Media News

• Local Media Association

• Recommendations:

• Variety of national media:
• Washington Post: washingtonpost.com
• CNN: cnn.com
• Fox: foxnews.com

• New York Times: nytimes.com

• Local news

• Master Chef
• Top Chef

• Dateline

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

View Details

Kenny Katzgrau, majority owner of redbankgreen and founder of Broadstreet, shares his vision for revitalizing community journalism. He discusses strategies to help hyperlocal websites and small community weeklies thrive.

Katzgrau’s approach involves enhancing advertising efficacy and community engagement through digital tools, advocating for news that not only informs but also engages and uplifts the community. He calls for a balance of serious journalism with elements of fun, suggesting that a vibrant local news outlet can profoundly impact its community by reflecting a broader, more inclusive view of news coverage.

Katzgrau provides very practical tips on making digital advertising work for local businesses and for long-term financial sustainability of news outlets.

Episode chapters:

(02:35) - From serving publishers to becoming one

(07:43) - Sustainable is not enough. How about prosperity?

(12:12) - Experimenting to serve advertisers

(15:47) - Recruiting the community to cover stories you can’t

(21:37) - The importance of fun in work

(24:54) - The importance of fun for readers

(28:32) - The business owner mindset vs. the reporter mindset

(31:12) - Advertising as telling the story of local businesses

(35:26) - Beyond CPM buy. Start with what you need.

(40:40) - Nurturing advertiser relationships and automating tasks

(44:08) - The Broadstreet ad manager platform

(49:11) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * Kenny Katzgrau: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Medium * redbankgreen * Broadstreet * Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn * Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook * Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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John Garrett, CEO and founder of Community Impact, shares insights from his journey of launching and expanding a family of hyperlocal weekly newspapers from the game room of his Texas home in 2005 to reaching 2.5 million homes across 70 communities today. Garrett delves into the unconventional success of a print-centric model in a digital-dominated era, emphasizing the importance of distribution, community engagement, and the unique editorial mix that caters to the civic and local business news interests of residents.

Garrett also discusses the challenges and learnings from overexpansion into other states and the strategic decision to refocus on Texas, underscoring the resilience and adaptability required in the evolving news industry. He highlights the innovative approaches Community Impact has adopted, including digital transformation initiatives like CI 360 and the use of Smart Brevity to enhance storytelling and reader engagement.

Garrett emphasizes on the critical role of local advertising in sustaining journalism, advocating for a partnership approach with local businesses and the significance of geography in advertising effectiveness. He shares personal reflections on leadership, the impact of taking a sabbatical for mental health, and the vision for Community Impact's future, including aspirations for generational leadership and expansion within Texas. Garrett's story is a testament to the enduring value of local news and the potential for print media to thrive through innovation, community focus, and a deep commitment to journalistic integrity.

Episode chapters:

(02:06) - A print success story in the digital age

(05:20) - An editorial mix of catnip and civic info for every resident

(10:29) - Don’t ignore Main Street

(15:08) - Committing to showing up

(19:55) - Why print is a driving force for Community Impact

(23:40) - Not abandoning reach and advertising for reader revenue

(26:46) - Keys to driving ad sales

(29:57) - Geography is your great advantage with an advertiser

(33:50) - Digital transformation at CI

(35:36) - Overexpansion followed by retraction to focus on Texas

(40:45) - Burnout among leaders

(43:46) - Recent growth and plans for the future

(46:59) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * John Garrett: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Community Impact

• Mentioned
• “How Community Impact Built an Oasis in the News Desert”, Texas Monthly
• Smart Brevity
• Post on CEO burnout/well-being

• The Great Game of Business

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital, discusses the evolving landscape of digital advertising and how trust is also a secret sauce for news media in selling advertising. With her extensive experience and accolades, including serving on the board for the Local Media Association and being named Local Digital Innovator of the Year, Shannon offers invaluable insights into strategies for local news organizations to adapt and thrive in a digital-first world. We delve into the importance of a client-forward approach instead of a product-focused approach, the potential of digital services beyond advertising, and the unique advantages local newspapers hold in trust and local knowledge.

Episode chapters:

(03:24) - Does digital advertising mean low margin?

(06:44) - Going beyond selling audience to selling solutions

(11:26) - Trust is a local newspaper’s key competitive advantage

(14:37) - Learning digital solutions to help a client best tell their story

(17:48) - Storytelling and local knowledge as key differentiators

(24:24) - Tell a story about your other key differentiator, your print product and digital brand

(31:12) - Using AI on the sales side

(35:04) - Partnering to provide digital solutions

(38:16) - Selling as a client partner

(42:28) - The menu of services

Links: * Shannon Kinney: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Dream Local Digital * Local Media Association

• Two training sessions for listeners
• Description
• Session 1, passcode: nHf07%kH

• Session 2, passcode: +?UNby15

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun), Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Larry Ryckman, editor and co-founder of The Colorado Sun, shares insights into the digital outlet’s journey. Transitioning to a nonprofit model on its fifth anniversary, The Colorado Sun has not only survived but thrived, garnering national attention for its approach to news coverage and its business model. With more individual members than the much-lauded Texas Tribune, The Colorado Sun's strategy for growing reader revenue without a paywall is a testament to its commitment to accessible journalism.

Ryckman delves into the founding of The Colorado Sun. He discusses the challenges and learnings from moving away from the page view business to focus on engaging content that resonates with readers, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and community in the digital age.

The conversation also covers the Sun's business model, which balances memberships, advertising, and grants, setting a sustainable path forward for nonprofit newsrooms. Ryckman's personal journey from a seasoned journalist to navigating the business side of running a news outlet offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of quality journalism.

Episode chapters:

(02:44) - Founding The Colorado Sun

(08:01) - The successful business model of The Sun

(09:53) - “If we’re going to be digital, let’s make it a great experience.”

(18:44) - Growing reader revenue without a paywall

(24:10) - Learning the business side of journalism

(29:29) - Working without a net as an entrepreneur

(36:11) - From LLC to B Corp to nonprofit

(45:41) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * Larry Ryckman: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * The Colorado Sun

• Mentioned:
• Texas Tribune
• Community Impact

• Alabama Media Group

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer at the Local Media Association, discusses his "Sustaining Philanthropy for Journalism" report released last month. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and listening as the foundation for developing impactful journalism projects that resonate with local needs. Mungeam outlines a strategic approach to building a sustainable philanthropy model, starting with grassroots support and leveraging impactful journalism to attract funders. Beyond philanthropy, he delves into the broader landscape of innovation and product development within the industry, highlighting the need for local news outlets to adapt to the evolving demands of their audiences. Mungeam envisions a future where a diverse and inclusive local news ecosystem thrives, supported by a blend of philanthropy, community engagement, and innovative content strategies.

Episode chapters:

(02:05) - The burning questions facing local news

(09:17) - Listening for audience needs and the Jobs to Be Done framework

(16:09) - The challenges in local TV news

(21:25) - Taking a risk with Next with Kyle Clark in Denver

(28:10) - Getting outside your legacy lane and mining your archives

(34:56) - Sustaining Philanthropy for Journalism report: Local funders needed

(38:59) - How can philanthropy be sustainable?

(47:22) - Fundraising as a path to better community service, storytelling and product development

(52:04) - Impact is the secret sauce of local journalism

(56:21) - Start with listening then build a philanthropy funnel

(59:49) - Rapid-fire questions

Correction: In the recommendations segment, Frank recommends Man’s Search for Meaning by Eli Wiesel. The book is by Viktor Frankl.

Links: * Frank Mungeamt: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Local Media Association * Sustaining Philanthropy for Journalism report

• Mentioned:
• Innovator's Dilemma and Jobs to Be Done by Clayton Christensen
• Next with Kyle Clark
• Verify
• Press Forward
• How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins
• Pathways to Philanthropy report

• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

• Recommended

• Tao Te Ching by Lao-tzu, translated by Stephen Mitchell
• Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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As Kelly Ann Scott leaves her position as VP of Content for Alabama Media Group to assume the role of Executive Editor and Senior Vice President at the Houston Chronicle, she shares her insights on digital transformation in local journalism in one of the most fascinating examples of digital transformation. Scott discusses the strategic reorganization of newsrooms into mission-driven teams, the importance of impactful journalism, and the evolution of Alabama Media Group into a digital-first media company. She emphasizes the necessity of product thinking, audience engagement, and the balance between serving current and future audiences. Scott also highlights the significance of empathy and careful decision-making in newsroom leadership, advocating for a focus on solvable problems and innovative solutions.

Episode chapters:

(03:01) - Background of transformation at Alabama Media Group

(08:19) - Success, Pulitzers, serving multiple audiences and making daily choices

(12:24) - Organizing the newsroom to get beyond the daily grind

(19:05) - The innovation cycle: sprints, measurement, current vs. new audiences

(25:19) - Fans, merchandise and brands

(27:10) - Concierge news service

(29:23) - Product thinking and saying goodbye to print

(32:46) - Transformation for smaller mid-sized news organizations

(34:33) - Care and feeding of the team: empathy, listening, not overloading them

(39:33) - Rapid fire questions

Links: * Kelly Ann Scott: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Alabama Media Group, AL.com, Alabama Education Lab, This is Alabama, People of Alabama, It’s a Southern Thing, SEC Shorts, Reckon News, Just Like Mama Used to Say * Houston Chronicle

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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Dan Grech joins host Tim Regan-Porter again to explore the practical applications of AI in journalism. This episode delves into how AI tools are currently being used in newsrooms to free up time for journalists and better service audiences.

The conversation highlights the potential of AI to influence storytelling and marketing, its impacts on journalism and local news, and the changes it could bring about. Grech and Regan-Porter discuss various practical AI use cases for journalists, including processing police reports, automated translation of weather reports, and creating transcripts of public meetings. They emphasize the importance of "human in the loop" in AI applications and the need for journalists to adapt to new tools and methodologies.

This episode is part of a series exploring the opportunities and challenges AI presents for journalism, offering insights into how AI can be a powerful ally in the mission of truth and storytelling.

Episode chapters:

(05:27) - Practical AI use cases for journalists from AP

(09:24) - Use Case 1: Processing police reports

(13:12) - Lesson: AI can free up time to focus on key tasks (but automation is difficult to maintain)

(15:39) - Use Case 2: Automated translation of weather reports

(18:39) - Use Case 3: Transcripts of public meetings

(23:01) - Use Case 4: Classifying press release emails for assignment

(26:13) - The importance of “human in the loop”

(27:58) - The importance of working on how you work as a journalist

(32:02) - Impact, not just efficiency

(34:40) - Use cases for existing off-the-shelf tools: writing support

(40:22) - Use cases for existing off-the-shelf tools: interview prep

(42:43) - ChatGPT tips

(45:56) - Data analysis and other miscellaneous uses

Links: * Dan Grech: LinkedIn, Twitter * BizHack Academy: web, Twitter

• Mentioned:
• Navigating the AI Revolution in Journalism: A Conversation with Dan Grech (LNM Episode 16)
• ICFJ
• Local News AI
• Brainerd Dispatch
• El Vocero
• Michigan Radio
• Scrum
• ChatGPT
• Duet AI
• Copilot
• DALL-E

• Midjourney

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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In this candid discussion, Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita, co-founders of URL Media, delve into the network's mission to support and empower independent media serving Black and Brown communities. Now in its fourth year, URL Media aims to address the gaps and challenges faced by these media entrepreneurs, focusing on enhancing reach, expanding revenue and building long-term sustainability for BIPOC outlets.

We delve into the unique relationship that ethnic media have with their audiences. The trust inherent in that relationship is a cornerstone in providing nuanced and community-centric journalism. URL Media was founded in the wake of the racial reckoning of 2020, and we discuss the unfulfilled promises from that time and the systemic barriers that persist in various institutions, including the media. They emphasize the importance of trust over scale in journalism and critique the mainstream media's approach to objectivity, which often creates distance and alienation.

Episode chapters:

(02:27) - Founding URL Media to address gaps experienced by media entrepreneurs serving Black and Brown audiences

(05:38) - Scale is not the answer to solving democracy’s woes; trust is

(09:10) - Addressing the challenges of audience and revenue growth for BIPOC media

(18:28) - URL Media’s structure

(22:05) - We're not just covering a community. We are the community.

(27:09) - How notions of objectivity in mainstream media creates distance and alienation

(29:55) - How mainstream newsrooms can work with ethnic newsrooms in non-extractive ways

(35:01) - Philanthropy, ethnic media and systematic disenfranchisement

Links: * URL Media: web, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X * Sara Lomax: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * S. Mitra Kalita: LinkedIn, Twitter/X

• Mentioned:
• WURD Radio
• Epicenter-NYC
• Charter
• The Philadelphia Inquirer
• Media Transformation Challenge program
• TBN24
• The Haitian Times

• Garry Pierre-Pierre

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of the National Trust for Local News, to discuss the vital work they're doing in preserving and evolving local news across the country. Elizabeth, with her background as a Harvard Business School-trained academic ("failed academic" in her words, since she's now actively working in the field), brings a unique and insightful perspective to our conversation. I was particularly excited to step back and geek out a little to apply business theory to the challenges and opportunities in local news.

We cover a range of topics, from the importance of community weeklies and the criteria used to select titles for investment, to the progress of ongoing initiatives and finding the right balance between local ownership and the efficiencies of larger news chains. We also discuss the relationship between mission and profit in the news industry, and what wild success for local news could look like five years down the line. By incorporating business concepts such as jobs to be done, localism, and Clayton Christensen’s disruptive innovation theory, we offer a fresh lens through which to view the future of local journalism.

Episode chapters:

(02:32) - The National Trust’s mission and why legacy news might be worth preserving

(07:12) - The importance of community weeklies

(11:41) - Evaluating titles for investment

(14:38) - How current projects are doing

(17:01) - Local involvement/ownership and benefiting from chain-like scale

(22:09) - Other lessons learned

(23:28) - The mission/profit relationship

(28:08) - What does wild success look like in five years?

(29:49) - Business theory applied to local news: business models

(33:18) - Business theory applied to local news: jobs to be done and localism

(37:54) - Business theory applied to local news: Clayton Chrstensen’s disruptive innovation theory

(44:21) - Business theory applied to local news: false rigor

(47:37) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * National Trust for Local News: web, LinkedIn, Instagram, Medium, Twitter/X * Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro: LinkedIn, Twitter/X

• Mentioned:
• Colorado Community Media
• Maine Trust for Local News
• CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism’s Executive Education Program in News Innovation and Leadership
• Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University
• Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy
• Membership Puzzle Project’s Guide to Membership
• Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society
• Harvard Business School
• Democracy Fund
• KERA
• Denton Record-Chronicle
• Press Forward
• LNM episode with Sarahbeth Berman of AJP
• Sue Cross of INN
• Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos, With an Introduction by Walter Isaacson
• Elizabeth's dissertation
• Jobs to Be Done
• Stratechery by Ben Thompson
• Clayton Christensen’s Disruptive Innovation
• Subtext
• Alabama Media Group
• Golden Transcript (and its examination of its contribution to systemic racism)

• Superhuman email client

• Recommendations:

• Caleb's Crossing
• Schmigadoon!

• Taylor Swift

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News), Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

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We’ve taken a little time off to focus on the Colorado Press Association’s 145th annual convention last month. It was a great event, featuring many of the guests you’ve heard on this podcast. But it’s an all-consuming event, and I’m excited to go back to putting out episodes.

For now, I’m dropping a guest episode of When the People Decide, a show about how everyday people are shaping democracy. It’s hosted by Jenna Spinelle, who is also a journalism instructor at Penn State and produced the News Guest podcast for LION Publishers. In this episode, she discusses the relevance of civic information with Mike Rispoli of Free Press, and then delves into how that can be put into practice with Richard Young, founder of CivicLex, a non-profit that is bridging the gap between news and news consumers in Kentucky.

I encourage you to follow When the People Decide in your favorite podcast app and visit the website at thepeopledecide.show.

Check back next episode for my interview with Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro of the National Trust for Local News.

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Sarabeth Berman, Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg, Lyndsay C. Green (The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser, Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley (What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

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Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project, discusses the organization's approach to helping nonprofit news organizations build strong, sustainable businesses. She shares insights from her unique vantage point, having come from outside the world of journalism. The conversation also delves into AJP's collaboration with OpenAI, examining the evolving role of AI technologies in shaping the future of news.

Episode chapters:

(02:46) - The mission of the American Journalism Project

(06:48) - Coming from outside of journalism with a sense of what’s possible

(16:52) - Why local news matters to communities

(23:34) - AJP’s partnership with OpenAI and AI’s implications for journalism

(34:01) - AJP’s programs for newsrooms

(41:56) - Philanthropy and building strong business teams and practices

(47:13) - Supporting ethnic media and collaborating across the ecosystem

(55:21) - Diversifying newsroom revenue

(58:08) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * American Journalism Project: web, Facebook, Instagram, Medium, Twitter/X * Sarabeth Berman: LinkedIn, Twitter/X

• Mentioned:
• Mississippi Today
• VTDigger
• Capital B
• Signal Ohio
• Houston Landing
• Indiana Local News Initiative
• Press Forward
• Houston Endowment
• Enlace Latino NC

• Outlier Media

• Recommendations:

• New York Times audio app
• Smartless podcast

• Local news newsletters

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg, Lyndsay C. Green (The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser, Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley (What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

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Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project, discusses the organization's approach to helping nonprofit news organizations build strong, sustainable businesses. She shares insights from her unique vantage point, having come from outside the world of journalism. The conversation also delves into AJP's collaboration with OpenAI, examining the evolving role of AI technologies in shaping the future of news.

Episode chapters:

(02:46) - The mission of the American Journalism Project

(06:48) - Coming from outside of journalism with a sense of what’s possible

(16:52) - Why local news matters to communities

(23:34) - AJP’s partnership with OpenAI and AI’s implications for journalism

(34:01) - AJP’s programs for newsrooms

(41:56) - Philanthropy and building strong business teams and practices

(47:13) - Supporting ethnic media and collaborating across the ecosystem

(55:21) - Diversifying newsroom revenue

(58:08) - Rapid-fire questions

Links: * American Journalism Project: web, Facebook, Instagram, Medium, Twitter/X * Sarabeth Berman: LinkedIn, Twitter/X

• Mentioned:
• Mississippi Today
• VTDigger
• Capital B
• Signal Ohio
• Houston Landing
• Indiana Local News Initiative
• Press Forward
• Houston Endowment
• Enlace Latino NC

• Outlier Media

• Recommendations:

• New York Times audio app
• Smartless podcast

• Local news newsletters

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg, Lyndsay C. Green (The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser, Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley (What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

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Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg reflect on the legacy of the Intermountain Jewish News (IJN) as it marks its 110th year. They delve into IJN's dedication to unbiased journalism, its profound impact on the Jewish community, and the evolving landscape of news. IJN's journey underscores the value of balanced journalism, the significance of community engagement, and the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing media landscape.

Episode chapters:

(01:58) - The importance of the Intermountain Jewish News to its community

(06:49) - IJN’s footprint and approach to news

(12:17) - The 110th Anniversary Edition

(15:39) - The importance of national news for local audiences

(21:46) - Changes to the business of news at IJN and the Jewish press more broadly

(31:57) - Words of wisdom

Links * Intermountain Jewish News: web, Facebook * Rabbi Hillel Goldberg: about * Shana Goldberg: LinkedIn * Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn * Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook * Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Lyndsay C. Green (The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser, Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley (What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

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I’m excited to share an episode of The Journalism Salute podcast from Mark Simon. Mark describes the podcast as a “journalism appreciation” podcast. His interviews with a diverse cast of working journalists are nice compliments to the interviews Local News Matters does on the newsrooms and support systems that enable that work.

In this episode, Mark talks to Lyndsay C. Green. Lyndsay is a dining and restaurant critic for the Detroit Free Press. This past year she was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for criticism for a body of work described thusly by her employer:

“Eye-opening, thought-provoking and mouthwatering, Lyndsay’s work brings fresh perspective and uncommon courage to readers hungry for brave dining criticism. She taps into Detroit’s culturally expansive and unpretentious spirit as she reviews area eateries.”

Lyndsay talked about her path from beauty writer to food critic, how she spoke a personal passion project into existence, a column she wrote about how Black women can go unseen in fine dining, the process by which she does restaurant reviews and other extensive coverage of her beat, and how both eating food and growing food inspire her.

Read Lyndsay’s work here: https://www.pulitzer.org/finalists/lyndsay-c-green-detroit-free-press

I encourage you to follow The Journalism Salute in your favorite podcast app, visit their website at thejournalismsolute.org and follow them on Twitter/X @journalismpod.

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser, Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley, Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

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New Mexico is one of a number of state-level bright spots in local news, thanks in large part to the efforts of our guests. Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser shed light on the New Mexico Local News Fund's initiatives to bridge gaps in local journalism. From fostering young talent to securing state funding, they explore the Fund's impact on communities and the future of news in New Mexico.

Episode chapters:

(02:07) - How the New Mexico Local News Fund Started

(07:15) - The Local News Fund’s mission and programs

(14:43) - State funding of the Fund

(21:07) - Supporting young journalists, especially journalists of color and those in rural areas

(26:04) - Funding as a crucial component of diversifying newsrooms

(29:30) - Class diversity in newsrooms

(31:53) - Impacts on newsrooms and communities

(41:10) - Accelerators and building sustainability with programs

(46:45) - Collaborating with non-journalists

(50:22) - Rapid-fire questions

Links * New Mexico Local News Fund: web, Twitter/X, Facebook * Rashad Mahmood: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Mark Glaser: LinkedIn, Twitter/X * Wind Power Media

• Mentioned:

  • Sarah Gustavus
  • Democracy Fund
  • Thornburg Foundation
  • KUNM
  • MediaShift
  • Report for America
  • Journalism department at the University of New Mexico
  • Knight Foundation
  • Center for Collaborative Journalism
  • Solutions Journalism Network
  • Reyes Mata III
  • Generation Justice
  • Searchlight New Mexico
  • Empowerment Congress
  • Colorado News Collaborative (COLab)
  • The Lenfest Institute
  • Downtown Albuquerque News
  • New Mexico In Depth
  • Source NM
  • NM Political Report
  • Santa Fe Reporter
  • American Ghost: A Family's Haunted Past in the Desert Southwest
  • Platonic
  • Inasmuch Foundation
  • McCune Charitable Foundation
  • Con Alma Health Foundation
  • Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
  • Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
  • Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley, Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

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The Mountain-Ear, nestled in Nederland, Colorado, has long been a cherished source of community journalism. With a tech entrepreneur's recent investment aimed at preserving the paper's legacy and supporting its evolution, both he and editor/publisher (and former owner) Barbara Hardt join us to discuss their journeys. Barbara discusses her multifaceted role, the challenges and rewards of "professional juggling," and the paper's innovative ventures, from podcasting to community partnerships. It's a glimpse into the enduring value of local news and the individuals dedicated to its future.

Episode chapters:

(02:10) - Why a tech entrepreneur bought this print newspaper

(06:30) - Barbara Hardt’s background at the paper and plans for the future

(09:33) - About Nederland, Colorado and the Mountain-Ear

(15:17) - On being a “professional juggler”

(18:32) - Producing a local news podcast

(21:46) - Managing interns with a small team

(23:43) - Partnering with local organizations

(30:03) - Advice for small publishers looking to engage the community beyond print

(33:47) - Accountability reporting at a small community paper

Links * Mountain-Ear: web, Facebook, Instagram * The Mountain-Ear Podcast: web, Apple Podcasts, Spotify * Barbara Hardt: LinkedIn * Christian Vanek: LinkedIn

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley, Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

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In this episode, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism with Dan Grech, a Pulitzer-winning former journalist and news director who has transitioned into the world of marketing and AI. Grech shares his unique perspective on the potential of AI to transform storytelling, marketing, and more, while also discussing the emotional, personal, and ethical implications of his transition from journalism to business. The conversation delves into the potential impacts of AI on journalism and local news, the unique value that human intelligence provides, and the transformative potential of AI.

Episode chapters:

(03:57) - Dan’s journey from journalism to business and AI

(13:31) - The destructive way journalists talk about business roles

(18:28) - The epochal change presented by generative AI

(31:03) - AI’s impact on the 5 pillars of journalism

(35:09) - AI’s implications for intellectual property and curation

(41:18) - AI’s implications for the business models of journalism

(46:10) - Using AI in newsrooms

Links * Dan Grech: LinkedIn, Twitter * BizHack Academy: web, Twitter

• BizHack’s “AI for Marketing and Sales” course
• WLRN
• Center for Collaborative Journalism
• “Schweddy Balls” SNL skit
• ChatGPT
• Stable Diffusion
• Midjourney

• Planet Money makes an episode using AI

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley, Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.

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Zack Richner, founder of Easy Tax Credits and third-generation community newspaper owner, demystifies the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) and its potential benefits for news organizations. Zack explains how his company assists businesses, including newspapers, in applying for the ERTC, and how this process can generate substantial referral revenue. The discussion delves into the specifics of the tax credit, the application timeframe, and the overall benefits for newsrooms.

Episode chapters:

(02:03) - ERTC program for newsrooms and Zack’s newspaper background

(04:56) - How ERTC works

(09:24) - Newsroom success in generating revenue by helping local businesses

(12:46) - How newsrooms are promoting program, what types of communities have seen success, and timeframes

(16:43) - How to sign up

Links: * Zachary (Zack) Richner: LinkedIn * Easy Tax Credits: web (use code COPRESS)

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

Bio: Zachary Richner is the Founder and Managing Partner of Arrandale Ventures, a mission-driven, strategic venture capital firm that is creating a truly innovative and sustainable business model for local media companies. Now more than ever, it is critical for the health of our democracy to have an independent and vibrant free press. Zack has successfully invested in startups through his family’s three-generation media firm, Richner Communications, Inc. (RCI), which is one of the largest local content providers in New York State. By leveraging RCI’s core competencies—trusted community relationships with consumers and businesses—he has generated outsize returns on these investments through a uniquely accretive performance equity model. Zack further honed his venture investing skills at Fifth Wall Ventures, where he not only evaluated early-stage companies but also developed strategy for new funds. Zack has been repeatedly recognized at the national and local levels for his leadership growing and scaling nascent organizations in innovative ways. He has spent extensive time in high-profile public sector roles, including serving in the White House Office of the Chief of Staff, working as director of the $1 billion NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program and managing the largest state budget in campaign history as Ohio Budget Director for the Obama 2012 campaign. A graduate of Harvard College, Zack received an MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management and an MS Design Innovation from Northwestern University - McCormick School of Engineering. He is a NEXUS Global delegate and serves on the Kellogg Admissions Leadership Council.

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Tracie Powell, the engaging and provocative founder and CEO of the Pivot Fund, shares her unique perspective on the intersection of journalism, philanthropy, and racial equity. Drawing from her rich experiences spanning j-school, advertising and circulation, reporting, law school, and her current role in philanthropy, Tracie provides a nuanced view of the media landscape.

She delves into the mission of the Pivot Fund, emphasizing its commitment to centering BIPOC communities and the importance of participatory grantmaking. Tracie underscores the need for comprehensive, wraparound services for newsrooms, highlighting the importance of holistic support that extends beyond mere financial aid.

A significant part of the discussion is dedicated to addressing both the race and often overlooked class problems in journalism. Tracie provides actionable insights on how white-led newsrooms can foster inclusivity and better represent the communities they serve.

This conversation is a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities in today's media landscape, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of journalism and the role of philanthropy in shaping it.

Episode chapters:

(02:31) - What is the Pivot Fund and how is it distinctive?

(05:04) - Centering BIPOC communities (vs. BIPOC founders), participatory grantmaking

(13:47) - Tracie’s journey through J-school, advertising & circulation, reporting, law school & philanthropy

(21:48) - Wraparound services for newsrooms

(25:36) - Journalism’s class problem

(32:20) - What white-led newsrooms should do to include people of color

(42:16) - Rapid-fire questions

Links * Tracie Powell: LinkedIn, Twitter * Pivot Fund: web, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube * The Pivot Fund Pod: Apple, Spotify

• Recommendations
• Prison Town podcast
• Kansas City Defender
• Black Joy

• The hyperlocal newsrooms in your community

• Mentioned:

• Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy
• JSK Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University
• LION Publishers
• Racial Equity in Journalism (REJ) Fund at Borealis Philanthropy
• Public Square Initiative at Democracy Fund
• Columbia Journalism Review
• Poynter
• Georgetown Law Center
• Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
• El Tîmpano
• Local Media Association interview
• Pasa la Voz
• Black America Web
• Local Media Association
• Media Impact Funders
• American Journalism Project
• Nieman Lab
• Atlanta Daily World
• Indians in Cummings GA
• Wendy Thomas and Amethyst Davis interview
• MLK 50
• Documented New York
• Enlace Latino
• Sahan Journal
• Axios Atlanta
• Decaturish
• ATLSCOOP
• butter.atl

• Reynolds Journalism Institute

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

Bio Tracie Powell is a leader in philanthropic efforts to increase racial equity and diversity in news media. She is the founder of The Pivot Fund, which seeks to support independent BIPOC community news.

Powell was a Fall 2021 Shorenstein Center Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, where she researched mechanisms for funding and capacity building for media outlets run by and for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, other people of color, and traditionally marginalized) communities. Powell is the immediate past board chair of LION Publishers, a professional journalism association for independent news publishers where she had served on the board since 2017.

Prior to her work with The Pivot Fund and Harvard, Powell was founding fund manager of the Racial Equity in Journalism (REJ) Fund at Borealis Philanthropy. Powell is also the founder of AllDigitocracy.org, which focuses on the media and its impact on diverse communities. She was a senior fellow with the Democracy Fund, where she worked on the Public Square Initiative that seeks to support informed dialogue through nonprofit journalism investments. Powell was a 2016 JSK (Knight) Fellow at Stanford University and has written regularly for the Columbia Journalism Review and Poynter Online. Her work has been highlighted by countless journalism and academic institutions, including Harvard’s Nieman Journalism Lab. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and The University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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Dan Oshinsky, founder of Inbox Collective, is one of the foremost experts on building, growing and monetizing newsletters. Oshinsky discusses how email newsletters remain a powerful tool for local newsrooms to build an audience and generate revenue, best practices for creating successful newsletters, and the benefits of AI-powered tools for writers. Oshinsky provides examples of successful newsletters and offers advice on how local newsrooms can grow their audience and provide value to paying subscribers.

Episode chapters:

(02:11) - Why should people care about newsletters in 2023?

(07:48) - Accidentally becoming an email power user and newsletter expert

(12:40) - Translating lessons from large national brands to smaller local publications

(14:55) - Local newsroom success stories

(19:56) - Building relationships via different types of newsletters

(24:38) - What is the jobs-to-be-done for your newsletter?

(28:17) - Optimizing your newsletters

(33:13) - Pricing newsletter ads

(37:54) - Paid and subscriber-only newsletters

(43:37) - AI in the newsletter space

(48:12) - Rapid-fire questions

Links * Dan Oshinsky: web, LinkedIn, Twitter * Inbox Collective: web, LinkedIn, Twitter * Not a Newsletter

• Mentioned:
• The Information
• Buzzfeed
• The New Yorker
• Tools for Reporters
• New York Times
• Politico Playbook
• theSkimm
• Quartz
• Searchlight New Mexico
• NewsMatch
• WBUR
• Boulder Reporting Lab
• Colorado Sun
• Punchbowl News
• Clayton Christensen’s Jobs to Be Done framework
• Jax Today
• Rough Draft Atlanta
• Naptown Scoop
• The Post and Courier
• Puck

• Summari

• Recommendations

• The Town podcast
• Amusing Ourselves to Death

• Growth Croissant newsletter

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

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I am excited to bring you an episode from another excellent podcast covering the local news industry. From Northeastern University’s School of Journalism, “What Works: The Future of Local News” is hosted by former Boston Globe editor Ellen Clegg and Northeastern’s Dan Kennedy. They talk to journalists, policymakers and entrepreneurs, and their conversations are always enlightening.

In this episode, they talk to Linda Shapely of Colorado Community Media. CCM made national news a couple of years ago as the first investment by the National Trust for Local News. Given my position at the Colorado Press Association, our work with CCM and more importantly the crucial work they’ve been doing in their communities, I had a special interest in this conversation and think it deserves amplification.

Links * Linda Shapley: LinkedIn, Twitter * Colorado Community Media: web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram * What Works: episode notes, podcast home, Twitter * Dan Kennedy: web, Twitter

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

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Yehang Zhu, founder and CEO of Zette, and Jake Seaton, founder and CEO of Column, about the challenges and successes of running tech startups that serve news organizations. They explore the impact of financial pressure in the industry and the importance of improving customer experience for publishers and readers. They discuss what journalism can learn from tech, the role of AI in journalism, and the importance of resilience and antifragility.

Episode chapters:

(02:34) - The appeal of journalism for these techies

(12:53) - The (overlooked) importance of user experience in journalism

(21:37) - How AI will impact journalism

(26:34) - Getting news orgs to be open to change

(37:10) - Agile project management

(45:41) - Rapid Fire Questions Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts and more.

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Even as newsrooms shift their focus to reader revenue, evolving their digital ad strategies can provide a crucial boost to their sustainability and provide a valuable service to their local communities. Charity Huff, CEO of January Spring and managing partner at Maroon Ventures and host Tim Regan-Porter explore the latest trends in digital advertising and how they impact local news outlets. We also explore the unique ad product launched by the Colorado Press Association, News Audience Retargeting, which helps advertisers reach their target audience more effectively, and provide a quick primer on digital advertising for those who don’t know their OTT from their DSP. Don’t miss out on this episode on the ever-evolving ad market and how newsrooms can respond to build stronger businesses and serve their communities.

Episode chapters:

(01:49) - The importance of digital advertising for local news organizations

(05:54) - A primer on digital advertising

(11:49) - Growing digital ad revenue by focusing on the value of your audience and the needs of local businesses

(15:20) - Newsletters as a key growth area

(19:45) - Other areas of growth for 2023, including sponsored content

(27:04) - News Audience Retargeting, a new digital product to extend reach and reinforce the value of news readers

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Last year, the Aurora Sentinel in Colorado transitioned to a non-profit and immediately began exploring options for community investment. Working closely with Joaquin Alvarado, they are preparing to roll-out a community ownership initiative modeled after Green Bay Packers’ fan-ownership structure.

In this episode of Local News Matters, Dave Perry, editor and publisher of the Aurora Sentinel, and Joaquin Alvarado, founder of Studio To Be, discuss innovative ways to support local journalism, looking to the Packers and cultural institutions like theaters, why philanthropy is not enough and community buy-in is crucial, and why accountability requires news that is grounded in local communities.

Episode chapters:(02:58) – Introductions and background (05:49) – Why it was important to find a new model and keep the Sentinel going (16:30) – Community ownership and a culture of accountability (27:25) – Philanthropy is not enough (29:15) – Reader revenue, paywalls and equity

Links: * Aurora Sentinel: web, Twitter, Facebook * Dave Perry: Twitter, LinkedIn * Joaquin Alvarado: LinkedIn * Studio To Be * Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn * Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook * Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

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Steve Waldman recently stepped away from Report for America to found Rebuild Local News, a nonprofit focused on using public policy to support journalism. In this episode, we talk through the history of public policy as it relates to news, the perils of government involvement, the nuances of crafting policy that balances multiple goals and concerns, and the state of local news. Steve also reflects on his time at Report for America, shares reasons for optimism and offers advice for young journalists trying to balance careers and their mental health.

Episode chapters:

(02:36) - Why journalism needs public policy as a tool

(06:56) - The history of government support and involvement in news

(12:23) - Why the state of local news demands action now

(20:50) - Crafting policy to minimize interference but weed out bad actors

(25:52) - This about supporting public goods, not propping up a failing business model

(30:01) - For-profits and nonprofits, legacy institutions, serving rural and minority communities

(43:25) - Moving from a federal to a state focus

(50:58) - Reflecting on Report for America

(54:48) - Rapid-fire questions

Visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com for all episodes, transcripts, show notes, links, and more.

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When the pandemic hit North America in 2020, Emmy-winning journalist Maritza Félix started a WhatsApp group to answer questions for friends and family on both sides of the border between Arizona and Mexico. What she assumed would be a short-lived project for people she knew has grown to encompass daily conversations on WhatsApp, original reporting for the web, newsletters, podcasts, a radio show and more. In this episode, Félix talks about the challenges of getting funding for a Spanish-language initiative on non-traditional platforms, learning to be an entrepreneur, and more.

Episode chapters:

(03:17) - How Conecta Arizona came about

(12:40) - Convincing funders to support Spanish-language media on non-traditional platforms

(21:51) - How Conecta Arizona uses WhatsApp to serve communities

(28:00) - Rigor and fact-checking in community conversations

(32:19) - Learning to think like an entrepreneur

(44:34) - Advice for non-Latino journalists serving Latino communities

(50:14) - Investing time in community as a seed for democracy

(54:21) - Rapid-fire questions

Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, links, transcripts and more.

Links:

• Maritza Félix: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Conecta Arizona: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Comadres al Aire podcast: web, Twitter
• Cruzando Líneas podcast

• Mentioned:

  • John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships at Stanford: web, Twitter
  • Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership in Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
  • Radio Bilingüe: web, Twitter
  • Conexión Migrante: web, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube
  • Radio Ambulante podcast
  • De Eso No Se Habla podcast
  • Documented NY
  • Enlace Latino NC
  • Outlier Media
  • Southerly
  • Mendocino Voice
  • Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
  • Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
  • Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

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Michael Bolden’s role as CEO of the American Press Institute and his background in newsrooms, philanthropy, academia and community engagement puts him in a unique 360-degree view of journalism and how journalists interact with communities. In this conversation, we explore journalism’s importance for democracy, the need to listen with humility, the need to build healthy and supportive cultures, the role of metrics in news and much more.

Episode chapters:

(2:49) - Press as an enabler of the American democratic experiment

(4:35) - Listening to your community (and not just your audience)

(14:49) - The strength and resilience of community media organizations

(19:30) - The news ecosystem needs a mix of startups, legacy institutions and individuals

(23:17) - Be skeptical and don’t just follow the lead of funders

(27:42) - A holistic vision of cultural and financial health

(31:05) - Supporting, retaining and managing a stressed and overworked staff

(33:52) - Welcoming non-journalists as information providers

(37:41) - Metrics for News, listening and a 360° view

(42:30) - Transforming an organization

(46:37) - Rapid-fire questions

Links:

• Michael Bolden: web, Twitter, Mastodon
• American Press Institute: web, Twitter
• Mentioned:
• Alaska Public Media
• Annandale Today
• Atlanta Voice
• Baltimore Banner
• Bay Curious from KQED
• Conecta Arizona
• DC RealTime News
• Honolulu Civil Beat
• JSK Journalism Fellowships
• The Kansas City Defender
• Metrics for News
• Missoulian
• Newsroom Confidential
• Rocky Mountain PBS
• San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext
• She Said
• Society of Professional Journalists
• Source Matters
• Street Sense Media
• VTDigger
• The Washington Post

• Wisconsin Public Radio

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts and more.

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This week, a draft of a Colorado open records bill circulated on Twitter. The bill, among other things, would give a special cost break to news media—as defined in the bill—on records requests. Should journalists get special treatment and should government define who’s included in that designation? Jeff Roberts, executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition and president of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, and Corey Hutchins, writer of the “‘Inside the News in Colorado” newsletter, join host Tim Regan-Porter to discuss.

Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts and more.

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When Spaceship Media's Erica Anderson found herself arguing with her mom over vaccines, she wanted to apply Spaceship's dialogue journalism techniques. What resulted was even more personal than anticipated.

In this episode, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson discuss centering relationships and community when having conversations across differences, how Spaceship Media approaches dialogue journalism to inform those conversations, and how the approach played out in Erica’s conversations with her mom in their new podcast, The Wedge.

Episode chapters: (3:21) - Launching Spaceship Media and then The Wedge podcast (19:03) - The tension between journalism and authenticity (24:05) - Putting relationship and service first (30:54) - The great scale question (33:21) - Presenting facts in a way that people can hear them (36:31) - Vulnerability and using objectivity as a personal shield (39:08) - What does it take to do this work of dialogue journalism? (43:03) - Rapid-fire questions (56:22) - Fact check

Resources:

• Spaceship Media: web, Twitter, Facebook

  • The Wedge podcast
  • Eve Pearlman: Twitter
  • Erica Anderson: Twitter

• Mentioned

  • The Criminal Under My Own Hat by T Bone Burnett
  • Think Again by Adam Grant
  • How Minds Change by David McRaney
  • Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown
  • Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown
  • Rabbit Hole podcast from The New York Times
  • Dead Eyes podcast by Connor Ratliff

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

  • Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
  • Bay Edwards
  • Rachel Pickarski

Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts and more.

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Jennifer Brandel, co-founder of Hearken, Zebras Unite, Civic Exchange Chicago, Election SOS, Democracy SOS and WBEZ’s Curious City, shares lessons on designing experiments for sustainability, equity and impact.

Episode chapters:

(2:40) - Jennifer’s path to public radio and Hearken

(9:57) - Grants and designing experiments for sustainability

(13:36) - Lessons for instilling new ideas in newsrooms (or any business)

(33:45) - Hearken and a portfolio of listening

(40:22) - Zebra’s Unite and a different kind of tech startup ecosystem

(47:19) - Diversifying your organization and your audience

(52:51) - Reflecting on election coverage

(58:12) - Rapid-fire questions

(1:09:35) - Fact check by Bay Edwards & Rachel Pickarski

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Corey Hutchins looks back at local news trends in 2022 with Bay Edwards and host Tim Regan-Porter. They discuss the growing role of nonprofit newsrooms, collaborative efforts across the country, government support of local news and public notices.

Next, Bay and Rachel Pickarski do a quick fact check of the first episode’s interview with the Sopris Sun team. Then, Tim and Rachel discuss takeaways from that interview.

This is an experimental episode, in terms of the segments, whether and how often we’ll do them, and whether we’ll release them as standalone episodes like this or integrate them into the interview episodes. Let us know what you think.

Note: There’s a lot of talk about the Colorado news ecosystem in this episode. (Sorry; not sorry.) We did not intend it to be an ad for Colorado, and future episodes will explore interesting works all over the U.S.

Episode chapters: (0:48) Local news trends with Corey Hutchins (42:09) Fact check of Sopris Sun episode (44:53) Takeaways from Sopris Sun episode

Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts and more.

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In the first full episode of the Local News Matters podcast, host Tim Regan-Porter sits down with executive director Todd Chamberlain and editor Raleigh Burleigh of the Sopris Sun, a weekly print newspaper and nonprofit in the small town of Carbondale, Colorado. The paper’s budget has doubled in the past two years, and Raleigh won the 2022 Innovation Award from the Colorado Press Association for the work he’s done there. Over the course of roughly an hour, we discuss the various projects they’ve launched, their distinctive voice, how they’ve served more of the community and integrated them into the newsroom, and how those efforts have led to more impact and a more sustainable business.

Episode breakdown:

(4:40) - Background of Sopris Sun + Raleigh, Todd & innovation award

(12:50) - Overview of Carbondale, CO

(17:28) - Projects for and with Latino communities

(26:13) - Business growth, freelancers and community ties

(44:52) - Design & voice

(49:56) - Biggest challenges + balancing hard and soft news

(58:29) - Digital evolution and the lifespan of a print product

(1:05:22) - Rapid-fire questions

Visit https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts and more.

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In this episode, host Tim Regan-Porter introduces the podcast with excerpts from interviews with Todd Chamberlin and Raleigh Burleigh of the Sopris Sun, Jennifer Brandel of Hearken and Zebras Unite, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson of Spaceship Media, and Michael Bolden of the American Press Institute.

Visit http://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ for show notes, transcripts, mailing list and more.