Small Press, Big Ideas

In this episode, Paul sits down with Ryan Heafy, COO and Co-Founder of 6AM City, one of the fastest growing local media companies in the U.S. Ryan shares how his background in aerospace engineering and process driven thinking collided with traditional journalism to create a scalable, sustainable local news model. The conversation explores 6AM City's unique approach to content, how they’re leveraging AI for efficiency and expansion, and how 6AM is positioning itself for the future of news without relying on paywalls or nonprofit dollars. Links: Ryan Heafy - LinkedIn 6AM City Behind the Newsletter Slack community 6AM City Newsletter Studio --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Subscribe to the Local News Industry Pulse newsletter to receive a weekly briefing of news, policy, trends, and more in the local news industry: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul talks with Warwick Sabin, President and CEO of Deep South Today, about how his organization is rethinking local journalism in the South through a collaborative, nonprofit model. Based in Mississippi and New Orleans, Deep South Today supports two award winning newsrooms, Mississippi Today and Verite News, and is laying the groundwork for broader regional expansion. Links “Multi-local” newsrooms aim to get more news to more people Deep South Today Mississippi Today Verite News --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Subscribe to the Local News Industry Pulse newsletter to receive a weekly briefing of news, policy, trends, and more in the local news industry: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul sits down with Ken Doctor, Founder and CEO of Pulitzer Prize winning newsroom and Lookout Local, to discuss how local journalism can not only survive but thrive in the digital era. From launching a digital first newsroom in Santa Cruz to expanding across the West Coast, Ken shares the strategic building blocks behind Lookout's success: strong models, sustainable funding, and mission driven people. Links: Ken Doctor - LinkedIn Lookout Local Lookout in the Classroom Google News Initiative Catalyst Project The Knight Growth Challenge Fund --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Subscribe to the Local News Industry Pulse newsletter to receive a weekly briefing of news, policy, trends, and more in the local news industry: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul sits down with Matthew Watkins, Editor-in-Chief of The Texas Tribune, for a conversation on nonprofit journalism, civic engagement, and navigating polarization in today’s media environment. Matthew shares his journey from local Texas reporting to leading one of the nation's premier nonprofit newsrooms, and offers candid insights into what makes The Tribune unique, from its funding model and newsroom culture to its commitment to transparency and nonpartisanship. Links: The Texas Tribune The Brief T-Squared Blog Texas Tribune Festival Who Funds Us page Matthew Watkins - LinkedIn --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠ --- Subscribe to the Local News Industry Pulse newsletter to receive a weekly briefing of news, policy, trends, and more in the local news industry: ⁠⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today sits down with Jonathan Kealing, Chief Network Officer at the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), to explore the future of local journalism and the challenges of building, and keeping, an audience. Links: Jonathan Kealing - LinkedIn Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) Journalism without an audience is just creative writing - Jonathan's piece in Editor & Publisher FindYourNews.org – Discover nonprofit news outlets near you NewsMatch – Year-end matching gift campaign for nonprofit news Trusting News – Project focused on rebuilding trust in journalism LION Publishers Local Media Association --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠ --- Subscribe to my newsletter: ⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul sits down with veteran journalist turned UX consultant David LaFontaine to break down what local and niche publishers really need to know about analytics, design, and building trust. From the myths of "data-driven" decisions to the hidden costs of bad UX, David explains how small publishers can use data not just to survive, but to thrive. Links: True Path Analytics FouAnalytics Connect with David: david@truepathanalytics.com David LaFontaine - LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Paul sits down with Anita Li, founder, publisher, and CEO of The Green Line, Toronto’s award-winning hyperlocal news outlet. Anita shares her journey from starting in journalism at age 14 to leading innovative, community-driven media. The Green Line: thegreenline.to TikTok: @greenlineto Instagram: @thegreenlineto and @tglhelps Anita Li’s newsletter, The Other Wave: Subscribe on Substack Reynolds Journalism Institute guide to the Action Journey model --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠ --- Subscribe to my newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Paul sits down with the leadership team at Pittsburgh's Public Source, a nonprofit newsroom based in Pittsburgh, PA, to explore how they’re tapping into micro-influencer partnerships to reach new audiences. What began as an experimental outreach has evolved into a promising strategy to bridge traditional journalism with today’s creator-driven platforms. Read Halle's LinkedIn piece that inspired the episode 📰 Public Source: publicsource.org 📸 Instagram: @publicsource 👤 Follow Halle, Jennie, and Natasha on LinkedIn --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠LocalPod.co⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠ --- Subscribe to my newsletter: ⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul speaks with Mark Riley and Ed Daniels from Mathison.ai about their innovative project, HANA, which focuses on hyper-personalized autonomous news agents. They discuss their backgrounds in AI, the challenges facing local journalism, and how AI can enhance efficiency and personalization in news delivery. The conversation also touches on the future of local journalism, the role of AI in media, and the potential for new business models in the industry. Links: Mark's interview on The Media Copilot Podcast: Can AI Save Local News? Hana App Mathison.ai Bristol by Hana Newsletter MediaMorph Newsletter Mark Riley - LinkedIn Ed Daniels - LinkedIn --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Click here to schedule a call --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul speaks with with Meghan Murphy and Karolle Rabarison from the Online News Association (ONA) about the evolution of journalism in the digital age, the impact of remote work, and the integration of AI in newsrooms. They discuss their personal journeys to ONA, the organization's mission to support journalists, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technology in journalism. Links: Online News Widely Accepted as Credible Highlights from the ONA Digital Credibility Report, presented at the 2001 conference AI case studies: iTromsø THE CITY Connect with ONA: ONA Slack community: journalists.org/slack ONA Weekly, for regular updates: journalists.org/newsletter ONA25: ona25.journalists.org To suggest programming ideas: Pitch a virtual session Pitch ONA25 session Meghan online: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmurphydc/ Email: meghan@journalists.org Karolle online: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolle/ Email: karolle@journalists.org --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Click here to schedule a call --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul is joined by John Garrett, Founder and CEO of Community Impact based in Austin, Texas. John shares his journey from a radio and newspaper background to establishing a successful hyperlocal news organization and scaling it to over forty editions. John discusses the importance of understanding the intricacies of media ownership, the need for high-quality content, the balance between mission and profit, and even gives Paul a tour of Community Impact's multimillion dollar print facility! Links: John Garrett - LinkedIn Community Impact --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Click here to schedule a call --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul is joined by Kenny Katzgrau, Founder and CEO of Broadstreet and Publisher of Red Bank Green. Kenny tells the story of his journey from software development to digital advertising and local publishing. They explore the challenges faced by local publishers and how Broadstreet aims to support them by providing effective advertising solutions. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding local businesses' needs and fostering community engagement. Links: Broadstreet Red Bank Green Kenny Katzgrau - LinkedIn Register for Broadstreet's March 12th webinar, "How to Sell Digital Advertising in 30 Minutes": https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6117405700167/WN_5sUfz4LvSwyj5KmdnklCbQ --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Click here to schedule a call --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul is joined by Ron Fields, Director of Publisher Partnerships at EmpowerLocal, to talk about the concept of news deserts, the challenges faced by local publications, and the innovative solutions being implemented to provide news coverage in underserved areas. Ron also shares insights from his experiences with various publishers and highlights the significance of understanding the unique stories of each publication. Links: EmpowerLocal.com Ron Fields - LinkedIn --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Click here to schedule a call --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul interviews Ned Berke, Chief Strategy Officer of BlueLena, who shares his unconventional journey from journalism to the business side of media. He discusses the challenges local news faces, the importance of reader revenue, and how BlueLena supports publishers in navigating these challenges through consulting, technology, and community engagement.  Links: BlueLena.io Ned Berke - LinkedIn Ned Berke - Bluesky --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Click here to schedule a call --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul is joined by Christian Scherbel, co-founder of Smartico, a display and video ad platform for SMBs who advertise with local publishers. Christian shares his journey from being an aviation engineer to becoming an entrepreneur in the local advertising space. He touches on the challenges faced by local publishers and small businesses in the digital advertising landscape and how Smartico aims to bridge the gap by providing effective advertising solutions. Links: Smartico.one Christian Scherbel - LinkedIn christian@smartico.one --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Learn more at https://localpod.co --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul speaks with Max Kabat, co-owner of the Big Bend Sentinel in Marfa, Texas. They discuss the innovative changes that Max and his co-owner wife have made to The Sentinel since taking it over from long time publishers who were retiring from the legacy print outlet. They talk about the power of community engagement, the evolution of local journalism, and the need for innovative strategies to sustain and grow local news outlets. Max also shares insights on the significance of print media, the diversification of revenue streams, and the potential for replicating similar models in other communities. Links: Max's excellent article on local journalism: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/local-journalism-wrong-business-max-kabat-dop2c/ The Big Bend Sentinel website: https://thesentinelmarfa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheBigBendSentinel IG: https://www.instagram.com/bigbendsentinel/ Connect with Max: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxkabat/ max@thesentinelmarfa.com --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Learn more at https://localpod.co --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul speaks with Sean Cullen Carroll, co-founder and CRO of HR Kickstart. They discuss the world of human resources and how it relates to news publishers of all shapes and sizes. Sean explains essential HR support needed for one-person news outlets up to much larger organizations, emphasizing the importance of compliance and strategic planning. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding the needs of clients and the value of building trust in business relationships. Links: https://hrkickstart.com/ Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancullencarroll/ --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Learn more at https://localpod.co --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul speaks with Tim Regan-Porter, CEO of the Colorado Press Association and host of the Local News Matters podcast. They discuss Tim's diverse career path, the role of the Press Association in supporting local journalism, and the unique ecosystem that has emerged in Colorado. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing local newsrooms, the importance of community engagement, and the potential for government support in funding journalism.  Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timreganporter/ Links: https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/ https://coloradopressassociation.com/ --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Learn more at https://localpod.co --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the first episode of season three Paul is joined by Cory Brown, founder of Impact TK and the 99 Newsletter Project. They discuss the evolving landscape of journalism, focusing on the importance of sustainability, audience engagement, and the relationship between editorial and business sides of news organizations. Cory shares his journey from loading newspapers to becoming a consultant for newsrooms, emphasizing the need for durable news products that resonate with local communities. Links: https://www.99newsletterproject.com/ https://impacttk.com/ Connect with Cory: cory@99newsletterproject.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tcorybrown/ https://bsky.app/profile/localmustard.bsky.social --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Learn more at https://localpod.co --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Paul is joined by Keith Pepper, publisher of Rough Draft Atlanta. Keith shares his journey from a media-obsessed childhood to transforming a legacy newspaper into a modern digital-first media company. He discusses navigating technology changes, building a cohesive brand amongst different community papers, and the importance of neighborhood coverage. Keith also emphasizes the power of newsletters as a new form of local journalism and the strategic shift towards high value, low volume advertising. Links: https://roughdraftatlanta.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithpepper/ keith@roughdraftatlanta.com --- This podcast is sponsored by LocalPod.co, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. Learn more at https://localpod.co --- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices