Local News Matters

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

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).

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).   

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). 

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).

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).

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). 

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).   

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).   

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).   

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).   

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). 

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). 

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). 

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).   

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). 

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). 

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).   

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).

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).