MIKE BLINDER is the Publisher of Editor & Publisher Magazine (E&P) and CEO (Chief Evangelist Officer) of its parent company, The Curated Experiences Group. E&P has served as the authoritative voice of the news publishing industry for over 140-years. He is also the author of “Survival Selling,” a popular (media-based) B2B (business-to-business) sales guide.
Mike is also the host of E&P's popular Vodcast series: "E&P Reports," which offers weekly timely interviews with newspaper, broadcast, online and all forms of news publishing and media industry leaders.
Mike has been in love with media his entire life. In high school, he worked part-time as an intern at WPEN radio in Philadelphia and at Radio Shack, where he sold the 1st generation of home computers.
While attending George Washington University, he held a full-time job as a DC Deejay, becoming a station manager within five years. Mike then worked at various radio station groups still appearing onair while managing all facets of broacast operations and sales.
From radio, Mike moved to TV and eventually print, starting one of the 1st digital newspapers in the United States where the Newspaper Association of America nominated him as a “Digital Pioneer.”
Before taking over E&P Magazine, Mike spent 20 years as founding manager of one of the world’s most respected media consulting firms, The Blinder Group. In addition, Mike personally trained over 10,000 media salespeople to adapt to digital revenue concepts and solutions. Mike was best known for his SMB (small/ medium-sized business) marketing training sessions throughout those years. He brought his life-long learning and love of media together in entertaining and engaging classes to cities and towns worldwide. Over 100,000 business leaders have attended his sessions on using all forms of media more effectively to guarantee maximum results.
Mike has won numerous media awards, is past president and board member for several media/marketing associations and has been a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and business partner, Robin and their miniutre golden-doodle "Dolly.
In the heart of Tennessee, a quiet revolution is underway, led by Daniel Richardson, a Marine Corps veteran turned media entrepreneur. Armed with a passion for community and a commitment to preserving local journalism, Richardson has embarked on a mission to breathe new life into recently closed newspapers that were handed back to a local bank. Under the banner of Richardson Media Group, he's resurrected several Tennessee titles, igniting hope and rejuvenating the voices of these communities.
In a groundbreaking move to bolster local journalism across Pennsylvania, the Local Media Association (LMA) and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) have joined forces to launch the Pennsylvania Fundraising Lab. This innovative partnership aims to equip publishers with the essential skills and strategies needed to secure philanthropic funding for reporting projects. E&P speaks with Frank Mungeam, LMA chief innovation officer, and Bill Cotter, PNA president about the initiative and how news media outlets can learn how to tap into these funds.
In a historic development, New York State has approved a budget allocating $90 million in tax credits to support local journalism. Spearheading the advocacy were the over 200 news publishing members of the Empire State Local News Coalition. This exclusive interview with newspaper executive and coalition founder Zack Richner along with Rebuild Local News founder Steven Waldman, sheds light on the legislation's journey from bill to law. They also offer insights on how this single passage could spark similar initiatives nationwide.