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The Latest "E&P Reports" Vodcasts with Mike Blinder

Mike Blinder, Publisher of E&P Magazine

Mike Blinder is publisher of  E&P Magazine (Editor & Publisher), host of the weekly E&P Reports vodcast and CEO — Chief Evangelist Officer — of The Curated Experiences Group. For more than three decades, he has helped news organizations navigate disruption, build new revenue streams and adapt to a changing media landscape. Today, he leads E&P, an authoritative voice of the North American news publishing industry since 1884.

Mike Blinder (aka: Mike Lawrence) as a 1985 Maine DJ appearing on "60-minutes" with CBS News' Ed Bradey.  

Mike’s media career began in high school with an internship at Philadelphia’s WPEN radio, alongside a job selling early home computers at Radio Shack. While attending George Washington University, he worked full-time as a Washington, D.C., disc jockey and became a station manager within five years. Known on air as Mike Lawrence, he went on to manage broadcast operations and sales for several radio groups. In 1985, his work as a Maine radio personality was featured on CBS News’ 60 Minutes with correspondent Ed Bradley.

Mike moved from radio into television and then print, helping launch one of the first digital newspapers in the United States. His early contributions to online publishing earned him recognition from the Newspaper Association of America as a Digital Pioneer.

Before acquiring Editor & Publisher in 2019, Mike spent 20 years building The Blinder Group into a respected media consulting firm. He personally trained more than 10,000 media sales professionals in digital revenue strategies, while his marketing programs reached more than 100,000 small and midsized business leaders worldwide.

On E&P Reports , Mike hosts candid weekly conversations with the publishers, editors, journalists, entrepreneurs and advocates shaping the future of news.

Mike is also the author of Survival Selling, a practical guide to succeeding in business-to-business media sales. He has received numerous industry awards, served as president and board member of several media and marketing associations, and remains a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator and conference host.

Mike lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and business partner, Robin, and their miniature goldendoodle, Dolly.

Stop competing, start collaborating: A new model for local news

What if the newsroom you've spent years competing against could become your most valuable partner? As publishers face shrinking staffs, declining revenue and audience challenges, an experiment involving 48 newsrooms offers a new path forward. The Economic Opportunity Lab demonstrates how collaboration can expand reach, share resources and attract new funding. In this episode of E&P Reports, Dana Piccoli of the Local Media Association and Jared Council of the Lenfest Institute explain what worked and how even small publishers can benefit from their free playbook.

Local news losses accelerate as digital traffic plunges, Medill warns

The crisis facing American local journalism is no longer a slow, predictable decline. Newspaper closures are accelerating, rural communities are losing their last reliable news sources, and even the digital audiences publishers spent decades building are shrinking dramatically. Northwestern University's newly released 2026 State of Local News Report paints a troubling picture of an industry confronting structural challenges that threaten its future. During a recent episode of E&P Reports, Medill's Tim Franklin and Zach Metzger explained why the situation is worsening — and what might still be done to reverse the damage.

Rural journalism isn't dead. But the old business model may be.

Imagine running a newspaper where you're the editor, reporter, photographer, designer and sometimes the person challenging city hall. For many rural publishers, that's not an exaggeration. It's their daily reality. Yet amid growing concerns about news deserts and disappearing newspapers, some small-town publishers are finding ways to survive by rethinking their business models and strengthening community relationships. During this episode of E&P Reports, Bill McKenzie of the George W. Bush Institute and Texas publisher Suzanne Bellsnyder discussed what it really takes to keep rural journalism alive.
Previous Broadcasts

When much of the news media industry is talking about contraction, Detroit PBS is doing something decidedly different: building. The public media organization has broken ground on a new 50,000-square-foot campus designed not simply as a television facility, but as a home for journalism, radio, education, culture, community engagement and multiplatform storytelling. During a recent episode of E&P Reports, Detroit PBS President and CEO Rich Homberg explained why the project represents the culmination of a 15-year effort to rethink what a local media organization can become.
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Every week seems to bring another announcement of a newspaper closing, a newsroom shrinking or another community joining the growing list of America's news deserts. Against that backdrop, launching a new local news organization might seem like a risky proposition. Expanding into print less than a year later might sound almost unimaginable. Yet that's exactly what Alabama Newswire has done. During this episode of E&P Reports, founder Scott Centers and publisher Jackson Kimbrell shared why they believe local journalism still represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs willing to meet communities where they are.
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The third annual Medill Survey reveals strong demand for local journalism but growing challenges for publishers, broadcasters and digital news organizations.

For the third consecutive year, Northwestern University's Medill School has tracked how Americans' local news habits are changing. The latest survey confirms that audience demand for local journalism remains remarkably resilient, but it also reveals widening cracks in the industry's business model, growing skepticism about AI and an accelerating shift away from traditional broadcast platforms. During this episode of E&P Reports, researchers Tim Franklin and Dr. Stephanie Edgerly explained what every news leader should take away from the findings.
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Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, leading journalists, First Amendment advocates and scholars gathered at Columbia University for The Forever War and the First Amendment, a symposium examining how two decades of conflict reshaped journalism. Fresh from the event, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Azmat Khan joined E&P Reports to discuss what the press learned—and failed to learn—from covering the War on Terror. She argued that many of the challenges exposed after 9/11, from overreliance on government sources to growing secrecy and declining public trust, continue to shape journalism today. For local news leaders, Khan said, those lessons remain as relevant in their communities as they are on the world's biggest stories.
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News industry leaders weigh whether pressure to repeal Canada’s Online News Act could threaten newsroom funding and weaken publishers’ push for platform compensation worldwide.

Could a deal to ease the U.S.-Canada trade war let Big Tech off the hook for funding news? Canada’s Online News Act has secured millions for journalism, but publishers fear that support could become a bargaining chip in negotiations with Washington. For newsrooms receiving the money, the stakes are immediate; for publishers elsewhere, the outcome could shape their own fight for compensation. Four industry and policy leaders joined E&P Reports to examine the threat, challenge the trade arguments and explain why this Canadian battle matters far beyond its borders.
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Local news remains under enormous financial pressure, but the market for community publications is far from dead. A varied group of independent publishers, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations is stepping forward to invest in titles that still matter to their communities. Sara April, president of Dirks, Van Essen & April, says many of these buyers are motivated by more than profit. Their commitment to preserving local journalism gives her renewed optimism about its future.
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When wildfires roared toward Spokane, the journalists covering the disaster suddenly found their own homes, neighbors and newsroom in its path. Three newsroom leaders reveal how The Spokesman-Review raced toward the danger to deliver lifesaving information, verify rapidly changing facts and document the devastation consuming its community. Their experience offers a powerful lesson in what local journalism demands when the story hits home.
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Alternative weeklies were once the unruly heartbeat of American cities, shaping politics, culture, nightlife and public conversation before collapsing advertising and changing media habits pushed many toward extinction. Brady Walkinshaw believes the industry mistook disruption for irrelevance. Through Noisy Creek, he is acquiring, reviving and reinvesting in beloved local publications that others had written off. His wager is that their fiercely independent voices, community roots and tangible print presence may be more valuable in an increasingly automated media world than ever before.
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Gen Z journalist Jasmine Shiffer expected decline. Instead, she found independent newsrooms driven by optimism, innovation and commitment.

She expected to find an industry weighed down by layoffs, closures and uncertainty. Instead, a summer spent visiting independent newsrooms across America introduced Jasmine Shiffer to publishers, editors and reporters who remain deeply committed to serving their communities—and surprisingly optimistic about the future. Along the way, she discovered that local journalism's greatest strength isn't its technology or business model. It's the people who still believe the work matters.
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For job seekers, landing a newsroom job can feel increasingly dependent on luck, connections and an opaque hiring process. Cristina Silva, managing editor for Operations & Standards at The Boston Globe and the new author of Poynter’s Ask the Recruiter column, says candidates have more control than they may realize. The key is to understand how editors make decisions, communicate clearly and make it easier for a hiring manager to see your value.
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Local journalism does not need another obituary. It needs a new operating model. In New Jersey, Stefanie Murray is helping build one that treats local information as civic infrastructure, supported by collaboration, philanthropy, local business revenue and carefully protected public funding. Her message to the industry: The future may not look like the past, but communities still need journalism that serves them.
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As broadcasters debated whether to air President Donald Trump’s recent prime-time address live and local newspapers continued rethinking political opinion pages, one question has become increasingly difficult to ignore: Has journalism’s greatest challenge shifted from protecting free speech to preserving productive public discourse? Constitutional scholar Stuart Brotman believes the First Amendment remains remarkably strong. It is America’s ability to engage respectfully with one another that is showing signs of strain.
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For decades, the leaders of America’s newspaper industry have gathered separately to tackle many of the same challenges — from protecting journalism and strengthening business models to navigating public policy and emerging technology. This September, that changes as the News/Media Alliance and America’s Newspapers bring their flagship meetings together in Washington, D.C., creating an unprecedented week of collaboration, advocacy and education. In an exclusive conversation with E&P, Danielle Coffey and Dean Ridings explain why they believe a more unified industry is essential to protecting local journalism’s future. They also discuss the growing fight over AI, the need for stronger publisher advocacy on Capitol Hill and why they remain optimistic that local news can not only survive, but thrive.
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While much of the news industry continues to focus on shrinking newsrooms, disappearing newspapers and expanding news deserts, Village Media is proving another path is possible. In this exclusive E&P Reports conversation, founder and CEO Jeff Elgie and Board Chair Richard Gingras explain how their digital-first company has grown into one of North America’s most successful local news organizations by putting community, audience reach and disciplined execution at the center of its strategy. Rather than chasing legacy business models, they argue that local journalism can still thrive when publishers understand how audiences and advertisers have changed. Their insights offer a practical roadmap for news leaders determined not just to survive, but to grow.
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Local media sales has entered a new era. Advertisers no longer need a salesperson to launch a marketing campaign, buy digital ads or build an online presence, giving them more choices—and less patience for generic sales pitches—than ever before. According to Dream Local Digital founder and E&P “Ad Sales Life” columnist Shannon Kinney, the sales professionals who thrive won’t be those with the best rate cards or biggest audiences. They’ll be the ones who consistently deliver ideas, insights and strategic value, positioning themselves as trusted advisors rather than order takers.
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News organizations have spent years debating whether artificial intelligence will replace journalists, whether social media is helping or hurting democracy, and whether younger audiences still value news. But according to Nebraska Public Media Chief Innovation Officer Chad Davis, those may no longer be the most important questions. During a recent episode of E&P Reports, Davis argued that journalism’s greatest challenge is understanding how audience behavior is changing in a world increasingly shaped by gaming, creator-driven platforms, conversational media and AI. His message: The future of journalism may depend less on protecting old models and more on adapting to entirely new ways people consume information, build habits and engage with media.
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A new global study suggests journalism’s biggest challenge may not be AI, declining trust or shrinking revenues. Instead, it may be the widening gap between what news organizations say their priorities are and how their newsrooms actually operate. In a recent E&P Reports conversation, WAN-IFRA CEO Stig Kirk Ørskov and FT Strategies Insights Manager Lamberto Lambertini discussed findings from the Future Newsrooms Study, which surveyed more than 400 newsroom leaders across 86 countries and revealed an industry still spending far more time producing content than building audience relationships. As engagement replaces reach as the defining metric of success, the report raises difficult questions about newsroom culture, strategy and the skills journalists will need for the future.
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Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how media sales teams prospect, research, communicate and report results. Yet according to media revenue strategist Ryan Dohrn, the technology itself is not the competitive advantage. The real differentiator remains the same as it has always been: the salesperson using it. In a conversation with E&P, Dohrn argues that AI won’t replace strong salespeople or save weak ones. Instead, it will amplify existing strengths, expose existing weaknesses and reward those who learn how to combine technology with relevance, preparation and authentic human relationships.
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Can journalism accept public support without sacrificing independence? Can newsrooms pursue audience growth without losing relevance? Those questions ignited two recent debates stemming from E&P Reports episodes, drawing responses from both The Wall Street Journal and local news publisher Christian Hendricks. E&P Publisher Mike Blinder turned to media critic and author Jeff Jarvis to tackle what may be journalism’s biggest questions: who pays for it, what it should produce and where it goes next.
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For decades, local journalism’s business model rested on advertising, subscriptions and philanthropy. Now, according to Rebuild Local News co-founder Steven Waldman, a fourth leg is rapidly emerging: public policy. New state laws, tax credits and government-backed initiatives have already directed more than $129 million into local newsrooms, with tens of millions more expected this year alone. Waldman says the shift signals a major new chapter in how communities may ultimately sustain local journalism.
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See earlier shows from our archives

As America approaches its 250th birthday, USA TODAY is reviving a nearly forgotten newspaper tradition with the debut of the “USA TODAY March,” a new Sousa-style composition celebrating journalism, patriotism and community connection. In this recent E&P Reports vodcast interview — featuring video from the May 15 debut performance of the march — USA TODAY’s Liz Johnson and composer and features writer Jim Beckerman discussed how the unusual project evolved from a piece of newspaper history into a modern effort to reconnect audiences with the civic and cultural role journalism once played in American life.
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As local news organizations continue searching for sustainability, a new national report finds that the path forward may depend less on new ideas and more on executing proven revenue strategies well. Researchers Caroline Porter and Mark Fuerst say the nonprofit news organizations making progress are investing earlier in business operations, building stronger local donor relationships and embedding themselves more deeply in their communities. Their findings suggest sustainability is possible — but only for publishers willing to think like both journalists and business leaders.
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Journalism is being forced to answer a question it long avoided: why should the public trust it at all? At a moment when credibility is eroding and the definition of a journalist is increasingly blurred, a new industry-wide framework is attempting to reset the standard. The 2026 Oxford Declaration on Journalistic Integrity and Public Trust is not just another set of principles — it is a direct response to a crisis of confidence. And as Steve Herman makes clear, the stakes are no longer theoretical — “the house is on fire and we need to respond to that.”
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E&P Reports went on the road as Mike Blinder hosted a live panel at the New York Press Services’s annual spring conference in Saratoga Springs. Joined by newsroom leaders Casey Seiler, Walter Sanchez and Kirstyn Brendlen, along with voices from the audience, the discussion tackled a question at the heart of modern journalism: are we delivering the news audiences want — or the news they truly need?
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In this episode of E&P Reports, we examine one of the most consequential local news stories in the country — the near-collapse and sudden reinvention of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — through separate interviews with two key voices: Andrew Conte, a leading local news advocate and managing director of the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University, and Bob Cohn, president and CEO of The Baltimore Banner and The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, the organization now stepping in to lead the paper’s future.
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For decades, local media relied on a simple formula: build audience, and advertisers would follow. Now, Gordon Borrell notes, that formula has quietly failed as the local business landscape and marketing decision-makers have shifted. Service businesses, in-house marketers, and AI-driven tools increasingly control ad spending. Borrell warns traditional media must rethink their sales approach to stay relevant with today’s advertisers.
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Investigative journalism has never been easy. But according to the latest State of Accountability Journalism report from the University of Florida’s Collier Prize, the reporters doing that work today say the obstacles are growing even as their commitment to watchdog reporting remains strong. Shrinking newsroom staffs, rising costs for public records and increasing resistance from government agencies are making investigations harder to pursue. Yet many journalists say the very pressures threatening accountability reporting are also reinforcing why it matters.
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The decline of traditional newsroom staffing has thinned one of journalism’s most important beats: statehouse reporting. As fewer reporters cover legislative chambers and the policy decisions shaping taxpayers’ lives, new models have emerged to fill the gap. Among the fastest-growing is The Center Square, a nonprofit newswire focused on government accountability reporting that publisher Chris Krug says was built to address what he sees as a structural hole in the American news ecosystem.
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For generations of service members, Stars and Stripes has been known as the soldiers’ newspaper, funded by the U.S. government but protected by law to report independently on the military it covers. Now that independence is facing renewed scrutiny. Signals from the Pentagon about refocusing the paper’s coverage and internal policy shifts have raised concerns among journalists and press freedom advocates that the Defense Department may be seeking to reshape the mission of one of the world’s most unusual news organizations.
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The Australian Financial Review once called Rod Sims “the most feared man in Australian business.” Big Tech soon learned why. As chair of Australia’s competition regulator, Sims helped design the groundbreaking News Media Bargaining Code that forced platforms like Google and Facebook to negotiate payments with publishers. In this conversation with E&P, Sims explores how the policy now sends roughly $250 million a year back to news organizations and what publishers around the world can learn from Australia’s fight to make Big Tech pay for journalism.
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A new industry survey from the Local Media Consortium (LMC) suggests that while digital revenue across local media remains relatively stable, the path forward is becoming more complicated. One of the most striking findings: the number of publishers identifying audience revenue as a major challenge has surged dramatically year over year. Fran Wills, CEO of the LMC, says the shift doesn’t necessarily signal collapse — but it does reflect a new phase of pressure on subscription growth and sustainability. In a conversation with E&P, Wills breaks down what the data reveals about the evolving economics of local journalism and where publishers may need to look next for long-term stability.
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For decades, media leaders have debated whether journalism can sustain itself as a standalone business. But in a rapidly evolving landscape, Hearst is offering a different perspective — one outlined in its latest annual letter from CEO Steven Swartz, which makes clear the company’s center of gravity has shifted far beyond traditional media. In a recent conversation on E&P Reports, David Carey, senior vice president of public affairs and communications at Hearst, expanded on that strategy, explaining how the company’s transformation wasn’t reactive, but decades in the making. His insights reveal a model that doesn’t abandon journalism, but strengthens it through broader business innovation.
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When a newsroom can’t hire reporters, the problem isn’t always pay — sometimes it’s rent. In one coastal community, the cost of living got so high that journalists simply couldn’t afford to cover the news. So, instead of raising salaries or cutting coverage, the solution took an unexpected turn: they bought a condo. It’s a bold move that may point to a new model for keeping local journalism alive.
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Local journalism isn’t disappearing — it’s being rebuilt in real time, and a new report from FT Strategies aims to show exactly how. Drawing on global data, newsroom case studies and on-the-ground experience, the Local News Playbook shifts the conversation from crisis to what’s actually working. Instead of asking how to save journalism, the report examines what the most resilient organizations already have in common — and how others can follow. In a conversation with E&P, George Adelman, director and head of partnerships at FT Strategies, unpacks the patterns, priorities and practical steps that are redefining sustainability for local news.
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When national attention suddenly converges on a single city, the decisions made inside one local newsroom can shape how the entire world understands what’s happening. That is the position The Minnesota Star Tribune now finds itself in as immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis draws intense national and international scrutiny. In this moment, journalism, safety, credibility, and brand strategy are no longer separate conversations — they are happening at once, in real time. This behind-the-scenes look reveals how the Star Tribune’s newsroom and leadership are navigating pressure, responsibility, and purpose as the world watches Minneapolis.
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Local journalism has no shortage of big ideas about innovation — but far fewer examples of those ideas being funded, tested, and trusted by the people closest to the work. After a year of scrutiny, retrenchment and hard questions about its future, the National Trust for Local News is experimenting with a different approach: putting real money and real authority directly into the hands of journalists. At the center of that shift is a first-of-its-kind Innovation Sprint designed to surface newsroom-driven solutions, not executive theory. This conversation explores what happens when innovation moves from the boardroom to the newsroom floor — and why that change may matter more than any single tool or grant.
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Disinformation is no longer a background hazard of modern journalism — it is a coordinated, weaponized assault on truth itself. In a world where lies travel faster than facts and chaos is deliberately engineered to exhaust the public, national security correspondent JJ Green says journalists are now fighting a real war for credibility. Drawing on decades of coverage of intelligence, conflict zones and information warfare, Green frames today’s media crisis as an existential battle for democratic survival. His new book, “The Noise War,” is not a warning shot — it’s a field manual for journalists on the front lines of disinformation.
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Local journalism is shrinking in much of the country — but The Baltimore Banner is moving in the opposite direction. In just two years, the nonprofit newsroom has grown into Maryland’s largest reporting operation, expanded beyond Baltimore, and built a fast-growing base of paying subscribers. Now, with their new editor-in-chief, Audrey Cooper, at the helm, The Banner is doubling down on a belief that many in the industry have quietly abandoned: scale still matters. In this wide-ranging conversation, the newsroom’s new leader explains why growth, impact and sustainability are inseparable — and what local journalism risks losing if it stops thinking big.
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What news consumers are really saying about AI: Insights from the new Trusting News/LMA study

A new national survey of nearly 1,500 local news consumers reveals growing concern about AI’s role in journalism — but also a clear path forward. Funded by the Walton Family Foundation and conducted by the Local Media Association (LMA) and Trusting News, the study shows audiences overwhelmingly want human oversight, transparency and clarity about how AI is used. John Humenik of LMA and Lynn Walsh of Trusting News joined E&P Reports to break down the results. Their message: Trust is still journalism’s greatest asset. AI can’t replace that.
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Jeff Jarvis has never been interested in nostalgia. In a wide ranging conversation with E&P Magazine, the longtime media critic, author and journalism educator argues that the survival of local news depends not on preserving legacy structures, but on abandoning them. From print to platforms, from content to community, Jarvis insists that journalism’s future lies in collaboration, service and listening — not scale or tradition.
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Free expression in America isn’t collapsing all at once — it’s eroding quietly, often in ways the public barely notices. In a wide ranging conversation, First Amendment scholar Stuart N. Brotman warns that political pressure, platform power and public misunderstanding are reshaping the boundaries of press freedom in real time. Drawing on decades of experience across academia, government and media policy, Brotman makes the case that the next few years will be decisive. And he argues that local journalism may be the strongest remaining force capable of rebuilding trust, civic understanding and a shared commitment to free expression.
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California isn’t just a state. It’s a story still being written, and USA Today wants a front-row seat. With the launch of TODAY Californian, the national news giant is investing in a bold new experiment: statewide coverage designed to meet readers wherever they are — from inbox to Instagram. “We’re positioning ourselves as highly relevant,” says Greg Burton, the project’s editorial lead. The goal? To create a digital-first newsroom that feels local, acts regional and delivers impact at scale.
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Mark Puente didn’t go to j-school — he drove trucks for 15 years before stepping into a newsroom. But when a judge tried to block him from observing a public court hearing, Puente didn’t flinch. Armed with experience, instinct, and a phone call to his editor, he stood his ground — ready to risk contempt rather than walk away. What followed wasn’t just a clash over access, but a moment that reveals why blue-collar grit still matters in American journalism.
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If you think young people aren’t paying attention to the news, think again — they are, and they have thoughts. A new study reveals just how skeptical today’s teens are about the press, and the results should make every newsroom take notice. From questions of fairness to fears of fabrication, Gen Z is forming strong opinions about who to trust. In this episode, we dive into what teens really believe — and why it matters for the future of journalism.
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Robert Whitehead believes the news industry is entering a make-or-break era defined by AI disruption, collapsing platform traffic and growing public distrust. In a conversation with E&P, he said generative AI is “as transformative as electricity.” He warned that publishers are still distracted by “shiny objects” instead of rebuilding the fundamentals that audiences actually value. His new report, authored for the INMA, outlines why newsrooms must urgently rethink distribution, trust, and brand experience to survive. And unless publishers rapidly differentiate their value and restore confidence in their journalism, he argues, they risk losing relevance at the very moment democracy needs them most.
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For more than 160 years, Stars and Stripes has walked a razor-thin line: serving the U.S. military while holding it accountable. Publisher Max Lederer said that balance remains as vital — and as fragile — as ever, noting that “our staff are paid by the Department of Defense” even as the newsroom is mandated to stay “balanced, objective, independent and impartial.” Today, new Pentagon access rules, collapsing trust in media and seismic digital shifts are putting that independence to the test. Lederer argues the mission endures because “we are dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. military community… from within the Department of Defense,” a position no other newsroom occupies.
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For nearly five decades, Jim Slusher has been one of the Midwest’s most thoughtful voices on what journalism owes its readers — and how it earns their trust. As managing editor for opinion at the Daily Herald, he’s spent his career pulling back the curtain on newsroom decisions and defending the value of open, honest dialogue. Now, with his new book To Nudge the World, Slusher is challenging both journalists and audiences to rethink how truth and trust are built in an era of noise and doubt. His message is clear: transparency isn’t a luxury for journalism — it’s the lifeline that keeps democracy alive.
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In a world overwhelmed by AI-generated imagery and shrinking newsroom budgets, the value of authentic photojournalism has never been more at risk — or more essential. The National Press Photographers Association is sounding the alarm: visuals aren’t just decoration, they’re the backbone of truth, trust, and emotional connection in journalism. In this exclusive interview, NPPA Vice President Lauren Steinbrecher and Grady College’s Mark E. Johnson break down why local publishers, students, and reporters must fight for the future of visual storytelling. Because if we lose the image, we may just lose the story itself.
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Local news is collapsing at an alarming pace — more than 3,500 newspapers have vanished since 2005, with 130 disappearing just last year. In this episode, we interview Tim Franklin and Zach Metzger of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, the researchers behind the 2025 State of Local News report, which paints a dire picture of vanishing watchdogs, expanding news deserts, and a shrinking connection between journalism and the communities it serves. Yet amid the bleak data are signs of reinvention, from public radio stations stepping up to statewide networks and philanthropic partnerships gaining traction outside major metros. This isn’t just a crisis — it’s a make-or-break moment for rebuilding local journalism from the ground up.
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Journalist & best‑selling author Beth Macy returns to the town she once delivered newspapers in to ask: what happens when the civic fabric fractures and no one is left to tell the story? In her new memoir Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America, Macy digs into her hometown of Urbana, Ohio — exploring how the collapse of local news, growing economic despair and social isolation reshaped a community she loved. Along the way, she argues that if journalism disappears from small‑town America, the consequences are national. Her message is clear: local reporting isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s the glue that holds democracy together.
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Local news is changing faster than anyone imagined — and Northwestern University’s Medill School just put numbers to the chaos. Its new State of Local News 2025 report reveals a seismic shift: smartphones have overtaken TV, content creators now rival traditional outlets, and only 15% of Americans say they’re willing to pay for local journalism. For Medill’s Tim Franklin and Stephanie Edgerly, the findings are both a wake-up call and a roadmap for survival. The future of local news, they warn, depends on how fast publishers adapt to audiences who’ve already moved on.
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What happens when a county government tries to silence its watchdog? In Pender County, North Carolina, officials yanked away the Post and Voice’s legal notices — a critical revenue lifeline — not because the paper failed to fulfill its duty, but because it did. Publisher Andy Pettigrew called out backroom deals and ran biting editorial cartoons, prompting the commissioners to strike back. Now, the fight has moved from the courthouse steps to federal court, raising a chilling First Amendment question: If politicians can punish a paper for speaking the truth, what local newsroom is safe?
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Polarization isn’t just dividing dinner tables anymore; it’s turning deadly in the wake of the Charlie Kirk tragedy and now the ICE office shooting in Dallas. The role and responsibility of opinion journalism have never been more scrutinized. That’s why we turned to Nicole Russell, one of USA Today’s leading conservative voices, who has spent more than a decade writing on politics, culture and policy. Beyond her work at USA Today, she has written opinion pieces for The Washington Examiner and The Federalist, consistently offering a sharp conservative perspective on some of the most hotly debated issues of our time. In our conversation, Russell opens up about how she balances tone and responsibility, the blurred line between news and opinion, the future of editorial pages, and offers advice for local publishers navigating this polarized moment.
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When billion-dollar networks like CBS and ABC cave to political pressure and late-night stars like Colbert and Kimmel get muzzled, what chance does a small-town publisher have? If Washington can bend the most prominent players in media, local newspapers — already stretched thin by lawsuits, advertiser boycotts, and the rise of AI — are staring down an even harsher storm. That’s why Bob Corn-Revere, one of America’s top First Amendment lawyers, warns now is the moment to stiffen spines. “A spine is a terrible thing to waste,” he said — and for publishers, wasting it could mean losing the last line of defense for democracy.
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In a world where speaking out can result in being silenced forever, journalism itself is under attack. Hours before this conversation was taped, commentator and podcaster Charlie Kirk was gunned down at an event at Utah Valley University — a stark reminder that public voices, whether political or journalistic, face real and rising danger. Against that backdrop, Dr. Peter Laufer, world-traveling journalist, author and editor of the new book “Don't Shoot the Journalists: Migrating to Stay Alive,” joined E&P Reports to explore what’s at stake when reporters are exiled, threatened or even killed — and what our society loses when truth-tellers are taken off the stage.
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A new player has entered the Philadelphia media market with the launch of the Fideri News Network, bringing together a portfolio of suburban news sites, niche digital platforms, and local broadcast assets. The initiative aims to strengthen coverage across the region, but its debut has sparked questions along with curiosity: What exactly is the network? How is it organized? And can it deliver something truly new, or is it more of a reshuffling of existing operations?
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Heather Burns has spent three decades breaking barriers in sports journalism — and now she’s making history as USA TODAY’s first women’s sports editor. From building ESPN’s NFL Nation team to championing deeper coverage of women’s athletics, Burns brings both experience and passion to the role. “It can’t always be cheerleading,” she says. “It’s also got to be good journalism with integrity.” With a new strategy called Studio IX and the power of the USA Today Network behind her, she’s determined to give women’s sports the coverage it has always deserved.
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The Knight Center for the Future of News at ASU’s Cronkite School isn’t tinkering at the edges of journalism — it’s ripping up the blueprint and starting fresh. Dean Battinto Batts calls this moment “an inflection point,” where trust is eroding and technology is racing ahead faster than most newsrooms can follow. Julia Wallace insists transformation must be rooted in community, warning that too many audiences have been “left alone” without information they can rely on. Together, they’re pushing for flatter newsrooms, bold experiments with AI and business models that do more than keep the lights on — they rebuild confidence in what news is for.
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How Ken Tingley turned his memoir into a play that sold out four nights, moved a community, and opened a conversation about what happens when local news disappears

When Ken Tingley retired after more than two decades leading The Post-Star in Glens Falls, New York, he thought he was closing the book on his newsroom career. Instead, he wrote one. Then he took it a step further—turning his memoir, The Last American Newspaper, into a stage play that sold out four nights in a row at the Adirondack Theatre Festival. The production didn’t just entertain. It pulled audiences to their feet, stirred tears, and forced a community to reckon with what happens when a local newsroom fades away.
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What if every newsroom in America posted its journalistic values where everyone could see them? That’s the bold vision behind the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR), founded by Walter Hussman — legendary publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and chairman of WEHCO Media — and led by Executive Director Rufus Friday. Their mission is as ambitious as it is urgent: rebuild public trust in journalism by making transparency impossible to ignore. In this conversation, they reveal how a simple statement of values could transform how audiences see — and support — the news.
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These media leaders reflect on what the July 22 gathering revealed — and what must happen next.

What happens when more than 250 civic leaders, journalists, academics, and funders gather to face the collapse of local news head-on? In Detroit, it sparked an unfiltered conversation about trust, collaboration, and what it will take to rebuild journalism from the ground up. In this episode of E&P Reports, five media power players unpack the July 22 “Local News Crisis” event — and what must happen next. If you care about the future of local journalism, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.
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In an era when hedge funds are gutting local newspapers and trust in the media is under siege, Lansing’s fiercely independent City Pulse has found a surprising new lifeline — not in corporate consolidation, but in mission-driven philanthropy. The paper’s founder, Berl Schwartz, turned down multiple offers before striking a deal with the Michigan Independent Media Group, led by civic engagement leader Dr. Jason Franklin. Their partnership isn’t just a transaction; it’s a bold experiment in saving local journalism with values at the center and sustainability in sight.
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What happens when a local newspaper and a craft brewery join forces? In Spokane, Washington, it results in the First Amendment beer — a bold collaboration between The Spokesman-Review and No-Li Brewhouse that's as much about community as it is about hops. In this episode, we crack open the surprising story behind the beer making headlines and the mission to protect local journalism. It’s a blueprint for sustainability with authentic flavor — and one you’ll want to sip on.
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When tragedy struck Coeur d’Alene, the local newsroom didn’t flinch — they mobilized. Within hours, the Press team defied routine, printed on an off day, and delivered vital information to a grieving community. Their leadership didn’t just report the news — they helped shape how the town processed its heartbreak. In this episode, Clint Schroeder and Bill Buley reveal how local journalism rose to the moment when it mattered most.
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Adams Publishing Group is stepping into a new era with a name that reflects its ambition: Adams MultiMedia. As local news organizations everywhere wrestle with disruption, Adams is betting that combining deep community roots with expanded digital services is the path to growth. The rebrand signals more than a cosmetic change—it’s a strategy to stay relevant to audiences and advertisers in a media landscape that never stops evolving. This move offers a glimpse into how a large, family-owned publisher plans to thrive when so many others are struggling to survive.
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Pason Gaddis thinks local newspapers don’t have to fade quietly into history. As CEO of Hoffman Media Group, he’s betting that lean operations, local control, and a focus on original reporting can rebuild trust—and profitability—where others have given up. “You have to change or you have to die,” Gaddis said, urging publishers to break free from outdated models. His approach is proving that if you invest in community journalism, audiences will still show up—and pay for it.
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Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw isn’t chasing trends—he’s doubling down on what works: local content, real relationships, and a service-first sales strategy. In a no-nonsense conversation, Warshaw explains why legacy media still has power when it’s community-rooted and advertiser-driven. With digital and radio sales integrated under one roof, he’s building not just reach, but results. “Local, baby,” is still his mantra—and it’s paying off. If you’re in media and missing this mindset, you’re leaving money (and trust) on the table
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When a suburban newspaper starts thinking like a startup, big things happen. At Current Publishing in suburban Indianapolis, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s fueling real growth, younger audiences, and serious digital revenue. From influencer-driven reels to a text-based edition with 65% engagement, President/ Publisher Ben Weir is proving hyperlocal doesn’t mean old-school. Here’s how one free weekly is rewriting the playbook for local news success.
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Four years ago, Max Kabat left Manhattan to reinvent local journalism in the remote West Texas town of Marfa. He didn’t just take over a newspaper—he built a café, bar, event space, and community hub to fund it. Now, that bold experiment is not only thriving but inspiring others to rethink what local media can be. We caught up with Kabat to find out how it’s working, what’s next, and what lessons other publishers can take from the journey.
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What if local media companies stopped acting like publishers and started thinking like SaaS platforms? That’s the provocative challenge laid down by veteran digital strategist Todd Handy in a recent episode of E&P Reports. Drawing from decades in media, tech and recurring revenue models, Handy believes the path to sustainability lies in ditching short-term campaigns and embracing lifetime customer value. His message to news leaders: the future of publishing won’t look like a newsroom — it will look like a software company.
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Local media isn’t just struggling — it’s at a tipping point, and most companies are leaning the wrong way. In a brutally candid conversation, Gordon Borrell explained why 85% of local outlets are capturing less than 10% of their digital ad potential and why newspapers, particularly, have seen zero digital revenue growth since 2020. He called out broken sales cultures, invisible new businesses and the dangerous illusion that hard paywalls are a sustainable fix. If you’re in news publishing and not reading this, you’re missing your wake-up call — and possibly your last chance to pivot.
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With legislative threats mounting at the state level, America’s Newspapers (AN) has launched a new coalition to unite press associations and publishers in defense of local journalism. In a recent E&P Reports episode, CEO Dean Ridings was joined by Alan Fisco, president of The Seattle Times and AN board member, and Debbie Anselm, the new executive director of the Iowa Newspaper Association, to unpack the coalition’s goals. Together, they made the case for why statehouse advocacy is no longer optional — and how a collective voice can drive meaningful policy change.
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The CEO of January Spring is now also the publisher of Denver’s premier lifestyle magazine, where she’s blending tradition and innovation to grow revenue and audience.

After helping hundreds of publishers navigate digital transformation, Charity Huff decided to walk the walk — by acquiring Denver’s 5280 Magazine. Just four months in, she’s proving legacy brands can thrive with a modern strategy rooted in audience, authenticity and innovation. From rethinking revenue to doubling down on events and email, Huff is blending bold ideas with respect for tradition. Her mission: to build a community-first, future-ready media company — and show others it can be done.
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At a time when trust in journalism continues to erode, the future of opinion content is under intense scrutiny. Should newspapers continue publishing unsigned editorials and political endorsements, or is it time to rethink the role of opinion altogether? That was the focus of a live panel at the 2025 America’s Newspapers’ Mega-Conference, where hundreds of news executives gathered for this live panel discussion, to share strategies, struggles and shifting audience expectations. A candid, sometimes surprising conversation emerged about how opinion journalism must evolve — or risk becoming irrelevant.
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Press freedom is under attack — not in some distant land, but right here in the United States. From newsroom intimidation to funding cuts targeting public media, the threats are multiplying while public awareness remains dangerously low. In this powerful episode of E&P Reports, three key voices behind the Press Freedom United initiative expose the scope of the crisis — and what every publisher, journalist, and citizen can do about it. Sally Lehrman (The Trust Project), Anh-Thu Vo (PEN America), and Daniel Williams (BlueLena) don’t just ring the alarm — they offer a blueprint for action. If you care about the future of journalism in this country, this conversation is essential listening.
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If you’ve ever marveled at a Linotype machine or debated whether Helvetica is overused, you’ve likely felt Frank Romano’s influence—even if you didn’t know it. As the founder of the Museum of Printing and author of nearly 80 books, Romano has spent a lifetime preserving the stories, machines, and ideas that shaped the modern media landscape. From brass matrices to PageMaker, he’s witnessed every disruptive shift in how we communicate. And through it all, he’s championed one unwavering belief: print is immortal.
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From coast to coast, a wave of new laws is quietly rewriting the rules of news publishing. Subscription models are under fire, state-level taxation schemes are threatening ad revenues, and postal costs are climbing at unsustainable rates. The chaos isn’t coming — it’s already here. But while most publishers are focused on survival, the News/Media Alliance is walking the halls of Congress and state capitols, fighting back on your behalf. In this exclusive interview, Vice Presidents Holly Lubart and Emily Emery reveal what's really happening behind closed doors and what every publisher needs to know now.
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When an explosive leak hit The Atlantic, Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg faced a moment of truth. Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis weighs in on how Goldberg handled the saga, grading his response and breaking down what it means for newsroom ethics. Did Goldberg make the right call—or fall into a trap? Plus, Jarvis shares critical lessons for every journalist navigating today’s chaotic media landscape.
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Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government-funded international broadcaster, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Journalists have been cut off from their newsrooms—emails shut down, phones disconnected, and no way to reach editors—leaving many in a state of uncertainty. Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for VOA, finds himself among more than 1,300 colleagues placed on excused absence. As the shutdown stretches on, audiences once served by VOA’s trusted reporting are turning elsewhere, raising questions about the future of one of America’s most enduring journalistic institutions.
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As tensions rise between the United States and Canada over tariffs, newspapers on both sides of the border are feeling the strain. Paul Deegan, CEO of News Media Canada, joined E&P Reports to discuss how the trade war is affecting the news industry, the broader economic implications, and the efforts being made to restore balance in a historically strong relationship.
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For decades, journalists have been judged by their reporting and how they look and sound, often conforming to rigid, unspoken industry standards. But as news delivery shifts to digital platforms, podcasting and AI-driven content, those norms are being challenged like never before. In “Performing the News,” Elia Powers reveals how journalists — especially those from marginalized backgrounds — navigate the pressures of self-presentation and fight for authenticity in an evolving media landscape. Are the days of the “perfect broadcast voice” and “polished TV anchor look” finally over?
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In this exclusive E&P interview, media veterans—former Fox News executive Preston Padden and former FCC Chair Al Sikes—warn that the government is no longer just regulating the press; it’s controlling it. As the FCC selectively enforces regulations, shielding Fox from scrutiny while targeting other networks, the fight for press freedom has reached a breaking point. Padden cautions, “We risk losing everything the First Amendment was designed to protect.”
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When a city government uses the courts to silence a newspaper, it’s not just an attack on one publication but on press freedom itself. That’s exactly what happened in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where a judge ordered The Clarksdale Press Register to remove an editorial questioning the transparency of a proposed tax initiative. The ruling, widely condemned as an egregious violation of the First Amendment, has ignited national concern among journalists and legal experts. In this exclusive conversation, E&P Reports dives into the case with publisher Wyatt Emmerich and press freedom advocate Seth Stern to explore what this means for the future of local journalism — and why every newsroom should be paying attention.
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As more newspapers rethink their print schedules, The Post and Courier is making a bold move—scaling back to five-day print delivery while doubling down on digital engagement. In this exclusive interview, PJ Browning, president of the newspaper division at Evening Post Publishing, breaks down the strategy behind the shift, how they’re preparing loyal readers for the transition, and why she believes the future of local journalism is both digital and deeply rooted in community trust. Watch now to hear how The Post and Courier is navigating this pivotal moment in publishing.
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Journalists have long faced obstacles in their pursuit of truth, but in recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: government-imposed gag rules that restrict public employees from speaking freely with the press. These restrictions, often enforced through public information offices or direct bans on communication, limit transparency and public accountability. In a recent episode of E&P Reports, Mike Blinder sat down with veteran Journalist Kathryn Foxhall and First Amendment Attorney Frank LoMonte to discuss the issue, its legal implications, and what journalists can do to push back.
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In a rapidly evolving media landscape, Ryan Dohrn argues that local publishers must stop asking advertisers what they want and start guiding them toward what they need. In this insightful conversation, Dohrn shares why bringing back advertiser workshops is key to educating businesses, how to sell value instead of chasing price, and why community support—not just ad sales—will sustain local news.
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Dave Morgan, a digital media pioneer who helped shape the evolution of online advertising, offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing local news in this episode of E&P Reports. From the rise of AI and social video to the limitations of subscription models, Morgan shares why traditional revenue strategies are faltering and what publishers should focus on instead. He also explores how local news organizations can rethink their business models, embrace new advertising approaches and stay relevant in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
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The local news industry is experiencing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, with valuations holding steady and strategic buyers reshaping the market. But who’s buying, who’s selling, and what does it mean for the future of community journalism? In this exclusive interview, respected media brokers Sara April of Dirks, Van Essen & April and John Thomas Cribb of Cribb & Associates break down the latest trends, reveal what’s driving deals, and offer insights for publishers looking to buy, sell, or strengthen their operations.
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Meta’s recent announcement to end its third-party fact-checking program by January 2025 has sent ripples through the media and fact-checking industries. To unpack the implications of this decision, Editor & Publisher Publisher Mike Blinder spoke with Katie Sanders, editor-in-chief of PolitiFact, a Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-checking organization under the Poynter Institute.
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The Baltimore Banner, a nonprofit news organization, closed out 2024 with remarkable achievements, positioning itself as a model for sustainable local journalism in 2025. With 55,000 paid subscribers, a rapidly growing newsroom and diversified revenue streams, The Banner proves that innovation and community focus can drive success. Editor & Publisher (E&P) spoke with CEO Bob Cohn and Chief Revenue Officer Sharon Nevins to explore their strategies and vision for the year ahead.
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By blending investigative rigor with a commitment to public service, USA TODAY has once again showcased the impact of journalism. Editor-in-Chief Caren Bohan joined E&P Reports to discuss a remarkable story that began as a feel-good reunion and evolved into a layered investigation highlighting systemic issues and ethical complexities. Bohan shared insights on how the USA TODAY newsroom navigated the twists and turns of this compelling case while adhering to its mission of accountability journalism.
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In his seventh appearance on E&P Reports, Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates, joined Mike Blinder to preview insights from his firm's latest advertiser survey and its implications for the media industry. Borrell Associates, widely regarded as a leading authority on local advertising trends, has released its fall 2024 survey, gathering data from over 1,100 advertisers and 122 agencies. The findings shed light on evolving advertiser preferences, challenges in media sales and strategies for 2025.
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In Galveston County Texas, a simple yet powerful idea transforms how residents support their local economy: the $2 Shopping Challenge. Spearheaded by The Galveston County Daily News under Publisher Leonard Woolsey and Chief Revenue Director Michelle Robinson, the initiative encourages residents to collect $2 bills from local banks and spend them at participating businesses, creating a visible ripple effect of community support. What began as a quirky concept has quickly evolved into a movement, showcasing the impact of local spending while fostering stronger ties between businesses, residents, and the newspaper itself.
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In a recent episode of E&P Reports, Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), shared his insights on the potential impact of a second Trump administration on press freedom. With over five decades of experience in journalism and media law, Osterreicher offered a candid and comprehensive perspective
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In a landmark case with significant implications for journalism and democracy, Emmerich Newspapers Inc., Helena World Chronicle and Boone Newspapers have joined forces in a class-action lawsuit against Google, challenging what they describe as an unfair “tying” relationship. Filed in December 2023, Helena World Chronicle LLC v. Google LLC alleges that Google’s control over search and content indexing is undermining publishers’ abilities to attract traffic and monetize content independently. In this interview, Wyatt Emmerich, president of Emmerich Newspapers, shared insights into the lawsuit’s motivations, the road ahead, and what’s at stake for the news industry.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, in partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, has introduced a $10 million AI Collaborative and Fellowship program to support innovation, sustainability, and new business models across five major U.S. metro newsrooms. Lenfest CEO Jim Friedlich, in a discussion on E&P Reports, highlighted how the initiative leverages AI for diverse newsroom applications, from business model optimization to increasing public data accessibility. The program aims to restore the depth of local reporting through AI-assisted research, enabling newsrooms to cover more ground with limited resources. Beyond the initial fellows, the program aspires to scale its impact, offering frameworks and tools for industry-wide adoption that reinforce the sustainability of journalism in an AI-driven future.
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In an era defined by an information deluge, rapidly advancing technology, and the decentralization of media, how society perceives news and journalism has become increasingly complex. Addressing this crucial issue, the Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI) has launched the “Defining News Initiative.” Amy S. Mitchell, CNTI’s founding Executive Director, recently joined E&P Reports to delve into the initiative’s insights and discuss the challenges facing journalism’s evolving definition.
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Since its founding in 2017, Report for America (RFA) has supported nearly 400 local newsrooms across the United States, helping them collectively raise $30 million from local communities. Now, the nonprofit journalism initiative has launched an ambitious new pilot project — the Accelerator Program — designed to further boost the sustainability of both for-profit and nonprofit local news organizations by diversifying their revenue streams and tapping into local philanthropic support. In this episode, Morgan Baum, Director of Local News Sustainability at RFA, explained how this pilot project could serve as a game-changer for local news outlets struggling to remain financially viable.
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As the digital age reshapes the media landscape, local news publishers face a crucial challenge: staying relevant and profitable. At the heart of this challenge is the ability to deeply understand and engage with their audiences. Sammy Papert, president of Wormhole and sales representative for Coda Ventures, and Phillip Beswick, CEO of The Media Audit (TMA), recently shed light on how their audience studies are helping local news organizations thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Their research offers powerful insights into how consumers interact with local news platforms and why these insights are pivotal for media companies seeking to monetize their content.
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Martha Diaz Aszkenazy, the newly elected chair of the The National Newspaper Association (NNA), and Brett Wesner, the past chairman, discuss the association’s recent collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the “Risk Less. Do More” campaign. This initiative, aimed at promoting public health messages is not only a public health victory but also a significant financial win for rural newspapers.
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In a unique interview, E&P Publisher Mike Blinder sat down with Version 1.2024.240 of ChatGPT, enhanced by Siri Voice 4, to explore the intersection of AI and journalism. The conversation tackled the critical issues facing the news industry today — from copyright and licensing to search traffic, newsroom integration and the future of journalism.
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Josh Sweigart, editor of investigations and solutions journalism at Cox First Media Ohio, shares insights into the local media’s role in addressing misinformation. He focuses on how his newsroom at the Springfield News-Sun handled the recent surge of false claims about Haitian immigrants, amplified by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee and senator from Ohio, JD Vance.
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In a media environment often dominated by narratives of decline, layoffs, and shrinking local news outlets, The Poynter Institute’s newly released report, "OnPoynt — Values Rising: Trends and Traction in Journalism and the News Industry," offers a refreshing perspective, showcasing optimism and innovation in journalism despite well-known challenges. In this recent interview, Neil Brown, President of The Poynter Institute, shared insights on the study and how local journalism is evolving in ways that provide significant value to communities.
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Maya Lau, a former investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, recently found herself at the center of a shocking revelation. For over three years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted a secret investigation against her, accusing her of receiving stolen property related to her reporting on a leaked list of problematic deputies. In a conversation on the podcast, Lau shared her experiences, reflections, and the chilling implications of law enforcement’s actions with E&P Publisher Mike Blinder.
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The Pulitzer Prize-winning digital news outlet Lookout Local, founded by Ken Doctor, is expanding its innovative approach to local journalism beyond Santa Cruz, California, with plans to launch Lookout Eugene-Springfield in early 2025. This move marks the beginning of a broader national expansion strategy, aimed at revitalizing local news in communities across the United States. Hear insights from founder and CEO Ken Doctor, plus newly appointed COO/CRO Jed Williams and chief of staff, Ashley Harmon,
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” Danielle Coffey, president & CEO of the News/Media Alliance (NMA), discussed recent developments in the media landscape, highlighted the implications of California’s public-private partnership with Google and the status of the Journalism Competition & Preservation Act (JCPA), and the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) ruling against Google for antitrust violations.
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In an era where the lines between truth and disinformation are increasingly blurred, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) has emerged as a non-partisan, all-volunteer organization that aims to ensure public information's integrity. Founded by individuals who believe that a healthy democracy relies on accurate and reliable journalism, MAD is actively working to hold media outlets accountable, combat disinformation and support local journalism. In this episode, we chat with Milo Vassallo, the executive director, and Brian Hansbury, one of the founders, as they shared insights into their mission and current initiatives.  
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The massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, left an indelible mark on the community, claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The event shocked the nation and profoundly impacted the small city of Uvalde and its local newspaper, the Uvalde Leader-News. Craig Garnett, owner and publisher of the paper, shared his experiences during this harrowing time, discussed the challenges and transformations that followed and spoke about the experience of having his team featured in the new ABC News documentary “Print It Black.”
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we interview Katerina Eva Matsa, director of news and information research at Pew Research Center, and Jim Brady, vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation, to delve into the Pew study: “How Americans Get News on TikTok, X, Facebook and Instagram.” The insights gleaned from our conversation provide a roadmap for news publishers navigating this dynamic environment.
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In this episode, E&P spoke with two prominent figures in the newspaper industry: Matt Paxton, publisher of The News-Gazette in Lexington, Virginia, and past president of the National Newspaper Association (NNA), and Brad Hill, CEO of Interlink and an NNA representative on the USPS Mailer’s Technical Advisory Committee. They explore the ongoing relevance of print media, the intricacies of postal delivery and the NNA’s advocacy efforts to help community publishers address today's news publishing challenges.
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As a follow-up to this month's E&P cover story, Mike Beaudet, an investigative reporter for WCVB-TV in Boston and a journalism professor at Northeastern University, shares his vision for adapting local news to resonate with Gen Z through his pioneering Reinventing Local News Project, designed to help repackage traditional broadcast content to meet the digital consumption habits of younger audiences.
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In a recent interview with Howard Homonoff, senior national advisor for the media and entertainment industry at Grant Thornton LLP and a weekly columnist for Forbes Magazine, E&P delved into the current state of local journalism. The conversation was sparked by Homonoff’s recent Forbes article titled “Presidential Debate In Focus But Local Journalism Battles For Its Life,” highlighting the severe challenges local journalism faced, including a long-term decline in newsroom employment and the emergence of “news desert” communities.
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In this exclusive interview with E&P, prominent American journalist, Guardian columnist and media critic Margaret Sullivan discusses the current leadership turmoil at The Washington Post, highlighting Jeff Bezos’ decision to hire Will Lewis as the new publisher and the controversies surrounding his tenure. Sullivan also emphasizes her reshaping her Substack newsletter, “American Crisis,” to address the critical role of the media in informing the public and safeguarding democracy, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election.
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In this wide-ranging interview with Jeffrey Sleete, a seasoned media sales consultant with a rich radio and TV advertising sales background, we delved into his approach to media sales and the principles that have guided his successful career. Sleete, who now writes a column for E&P Magazine, shared his ideas on various aspects of how to successfully engage small businesses in today’s challenging local media ecosystem.
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Borrell Associates’ 2025 annual conference relocates from Miami to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU.

During this exclusive E&P interview, Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates, provided critical insights into the evolving landscape of local media. Highlighting a seismic shift in the industry, Borrell emphasized content as a key differentiator in what he terms the “final phase” for local media. To underscore this, he announced the relocation of Borrell Associates’ 2025 annual conference from Miami to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU.
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In an era marked by rampant misinformation and polarized media landscapes, NewsGuard has emerged as both a champion of credible journalism and a lightning rod for controversy. Founded in 2018 by Steven Brill and Gordon Crovitz, the company aims to rate the reliability of news websites based on transparent, objective criteria. However, NewsGuard’s mission has been challenging, facing legal battles, accusations of political bias and public criticism from high-profile figures like Elon Musk. In this exclusive interview with E&P Magazine, Brill and Crovitz discuss these controversies, their steadfast commitment to promoting trustworthy news, and their insights on the future of credible journalism amid the ever-evolving media landscape.
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E&P explores Dallas Morning News Publisher Grant Moise's decision to hire news media veteran Stephen Buckley as their new public editor despite industry trends of cost-cutting that have eliminated that news media position throughout the US.
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In this exclusive interview, E&P checks in with CherryRoad Media’s CEO Jeremy Gulban and COO Lee Bachlet to learn how this less than 3-years-old US media empire is faring with their 85 newspapers across 18 states. Topics covered include their recent acquisitions, revenue strategies and how they find profitability serving some markets with populations less than 1,000. We also explore their recent new title launches in several “news desert” communities.
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Detroit Public Television, now rebranded as Detroit PBS, is poised for a transformative journey as it makes a resounding return to the vibrant heart of the city. With a renewed commitment to serving its community with integrity and innovation, the organization, under the leadership of President & CEO Rich Homberg, is embarking on an ambitious mission to redefine local media.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In a significant development for the media landscape, the Kansas Reflector found itself entangled in a contentious dispute with Facebook. Sherman Smith, Editor-in-Chief of this States Newsroom affiliate, divulged the unfolding narrative during an exclusive conversation. It started innocuously with an editorial on climate change, triggering a sequence of events that underscored the complexities media outlets face in navigating digital platforms.
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Join us for this episode of 'E&P Reports' as we delve into The Chronicle of Philanthropy's groundbreaking initiative led by senior editor Drew Lindsay. Discover how their innovative online platform, 'The Commons,' is poised to tackle America's deep divides head-on. From political polarization to socio-economic disparities, explore how The Chronicle is fostering dialogue and understanding in an era of increasing division and uncertainty.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports” we chat with Laura Krantz McNeill who interviewed several news media executives, resulting in a published a study for the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. The study outlines a list of essential skills necessary to lead the newsrooms of tomorrow.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we speak with Manuel Karam, the general manager of Featured Media in Avon, New York and current president of The Association of Community Publishers (ACP). We explore WHAT the ACP's mission is, WHY this media organization differs from others and HOW local news publishers can benefit from membership. We also get a sneak peek at their upcoming May conference in Norfolk, VA.
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Invest 20-minutes with Ellen Clegg and Dan Kennedy the authors of the new book: “What Works in Community News,” to learn how they selected the featured nine media operations and why they believed these are worth exploring to find models for sustainable local journalism. Clegg a seasoned editor and local news media entrepreneur along with Kennedy a respected professor of Journalism also offer advice gleaned from the book to news publishing executives on how to navigate the challenging and ever-changing local news media ecosystem.
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E&P gains insights from the Radio Television Digital News Association's CEO & President Dan Shelley on how the RTDNA is helping journalism survive in today's complex local news media ecosystem. Topics discussed in this episode of "E&P Reports" include the fight for cameras (and microphones) in courtrooms. Should the news media industry police itself in defining who is a journalist? We also explore the growth of citizen journalism, its impact on local news media outlets and more.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with well-known digital media consultant, Knight fellow, professor of journalism, Gannett’s past director of new product development and past senior director of public broadcasting, Tom Davidson, who “pulls no punches” during this frank discussion on the challenges that public media faces today and how it can continue to be a viable, self-sustaining part of local journalism.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we bring together two well-known media experts, Steven Waldman and Jeff Jarvis, in one interview. These two gentlemen have publicly disagreed on major issues and have been getting the lion's share of exposure in representing the news media industry to the national press. They are becoming high-profile advocacy spokespeople on opposite sides of several current, significant legislative matters debated at state and federal levels.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we get the inside story on Gannett Media’s major hiring frenzy from their chief content officer, Kristin Roberts, and chief sales officer, Jason Taylor. We learn about what is being called their “turnaround plan,” which has created hundreds of new local news media industry jobs in dozens of their markets across the U.S. Both Taylor and Roberts directly address the negative reporting that has been pointed at this media empire and how they are both bullish on the company’s plans to continue serving their readers and advertisers.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go inside the newsroom of the now-defunct digital news startup, The Messenger, by going one-on-one with their former senior editor, Darren Samuelsohn. We learn first-hand about The Messenger's initial 50 million dollar mission to become the unbiased, new national news source and how the hundreds of journalists reacted to their recent firings just 10 months after startup.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we finally get an inside look at the newsroom of the LA Times, just a week after the surprising firing of over 20% of their unionized workforce from News Media West Guild president, Matt Pearce. We learn about how the firing process took place via Webinar, how the Union reacted to the unexpected downsizing, and what they are doing now in retaliation.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we chat with WEHCO Media CEO Walter E. Hussman, Jr. about his fourth generational family commitment to supporting fairness in journalistic reporting and how those tenets have motivated their family foundation to offer $100,000 in cash prizes to recolonize the best in fair, impartial and objective news reporting.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we explore Word in Black. This three-year-old online news collaboration includes 10 of the most prestigious Black newspapers in America that announced its transition to public benefit company status. Appearing along with Nancy Lane, co-CEO of the Local Media Association, whose foundation helped incubate the project, are founding members: Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of AFRO News, Elinor R. Tatum, publisher and editor-in-chief of the New York Amsterdam News and Patrick Washington, CEO/co-Publisher of the Dallas Weekly.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with media sales training icon Chris Lytle, who advises on the traits, abilities and techniques that will continue to help produce winning salespeople and sales teams, within any media company. Chis also comments on how today’s media consolidation has helped move the local sales process away from a winning consultive approach to a reversal back to “commodity selling.”
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with twice Emmy nominated, documentarian Rick Goldsmith to learn why he spent more than 2-years creating his latest work: “Stripped for Parts “a film that tells the tale of how newspapers business model is faltering, not just because of the loss of advertising and digital disruption; but also to capitalist greed, as hedge funds and corporate America buy them, sell their assets and leave the communities they serve without their local “voice” and a final check on power.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we chat with Paul Deegan, the president and CEO of News Media Canada, and Danielle Coffey, the president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, about "big tech" compensation to North American news publishers, now that Canada's Online News Act goes into law, requiring Google to pay 100 million Canadian dollars a year to the Canadian news media industry, and the current complexity of two similar bills being considered by the California legislature and the U.S. Congress.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we chat with respected media executive Shannon Kinney about the entrepreneurial advice she offers that is derived from her 25+ year journey, starting as an integral part of legacy media's early adoption of the digital world to today's massively complex multimedia ecosystem.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with newly sworn-in Society of Professional Journalists President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins to discuss how she plans to keep the organization prospering during a time of lagging membership and conference attendance, as well as her plans for SPJ's success. We also hear her views on the news media ecosystem as a whole and how we can define what is journalism in a world of disinformation and "fake news."
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In this episode, we go one-on-one with industry veteran Marty Baron, where we discuss his recently released book, "Collision of Power,” which offers an inside view of his time as executive editor of The Washington Post under Bezos' ownership and during Trump's presidency. We also hear his thoughts on managing a newsroom in today's challenging news media ecosystem.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we un-pack Medill's 2023 "State of Local News" report with co-authors Senior Associate Dean Tim Franklin and Visiting Professor Penelope Muse ("Penny") Abernathy as we investigate their latest findings and methodology, as well as what this data means when it comes to the future of local journalism in the U.S.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with 16-year-old Hutchinson, Kansas high school student Michael Glenn, who became frustrated when his local Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper The Hutchinson (KS) News, was sold to Gannett and downsized to a "ghost paper." So, in the summer of 2023, Glenn recruited a team of journalists and started the competing Hutchinson Tribune at HutchTribune.com, which now out-reports the HutchNews.com site 36 local stories to six (on the day of this posting).
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Rio Blanco Herald Times Owner/Editor Niki Turner, who made the difficult choice of offering complete transparency about the newspaper's dire financial situation to the western Colorado citizens they serve. Turner truthfully revealed in an email that the company would cease operation within two weeks unless the community offered their support, which resulted in $33,000 in contributions that saved the weekly publication, which has been printed since 1885, from extinction.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” sales consultant, coach, and trainer Ryan Dohrn talks one-on-one with E&P's Mike Blinder, offering actionable, real-world advice on maximizing ad sales in 2024. Topics covered in this fast-paced, idea-driven interview include better prospecting for new business, how to find and retain quality sales talent and the best qualities and methods of leadership in today's competitive, ever-changing local media sales ecosystem.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we take you to Morganton, North Carolina, where Lee Enterprises' News Herald has been publishing for over 120 years. However, it is now a two-newspaper town, as The Paper, a local nonprofit, is in its 36th week of publishing both print and online. Appearing in the broadcast is Allen VanNoppen, The Paper’s founder and publisher, who speaks to why he decided to start a competing local printed product, how the business is going more than eight months in and what advice he gives to others who may want to start a local, nonprofit, digital and print news operation.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we break down the data recently released by Borrell Associates in their latest survey, conducted April through June in 2023, entitled: "New Insights About Today’s Local Ad Buyers." Appearing in this vodcast is Borrell Associates' President Jim Brown, who will discuss the latest trends they have uncovered in local advertiser spending, which media types are showing the most demand and how legacy media such as newspapers, radio and TV can capture the predicted 4% increase of overall marketing dollars being invested by local businesses.
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In this episode of E&P Reports, we check in with Chicago Public Media, owners of PBS affiliate WBEZ, to find out how their 2022 acquisition of the 149-year-old Chicago Sun-Times is going. Appearing on the program are Jennifer Kho, executive editor for the newspaper and Tracy Brown, chief content officer for the parent company, who discuss their new initiatives, collaborative efforts and how the blending of these two major market brands is working to expand their audience.
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In this episode of E&P Reports, we go beyond reporting on news publishers by focusing on the impact on a population when they learn they may lose their newspaper of record. Appearing in this interview and speaking about the value of local journalism as it affects the people and public policy of their community are Bedford County, Tennessee’s Chris White, director of planning, Greg Vick, county commissioner for District 2 and Curt Cobb, county clerk & master.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with award-winning journalist and founder of the Global Press Institute (GPI) Cristi Hegranes, whose new book: “Byline” makes a case that the global news publishing industry can become more sustainable by rethinking how it provides global news coverage by focusing on local news sourcing — as opposed to: “The flawed discipline of parachute journalism.”
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we explore the groundbreaking move by two organizations that considered themselves competitive for decades. Arizona Newspapers Association and Arizona Broadcasters Association merge into Arizona Media Association. We chat about the "whys and hows" of the union with Lisa Simpson, the former executive director of Arizona Newspapers Association, and Chris Kline, the former president/ CEO of Arizona Broadcasters Association. We also learn their future plans for advancing the industry and serving their combined membership.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we explore the recent Google Antitrust suit filed by the DOJ through one of the witnesses for the defense, news media industry digital ad software provider Kenny Katzgrau, CEO of Broadstreet. Katzgrau, who wrote an op-ed offering advice to small news publishers on how they can compete with big-tech local media advertising dollars, now finds that his words will likely become evidence presented by Google that they may be a less-dominant media giant than has been reported. Katzgrau, a local news publisher, discusses how even though he believes that Google is a powerful, dominant, monopolistic player in the local ad space, he may find himself sitting on a stand offering evidence for the defense.
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In this episode of E&P Reports, we go one-on-one with news media industry veteran John Ellis about his 40+ year journey from NBC News in the 70s and 80s, columnist for the Boston Globe and LA Times in the 90s, leadership roles in the 21st century at CNBC, and FOX News and eventual founder and editor today of the daily newsletter, News Items. We also chat with Ellis on how he sees journalism and news publishing in general have changed over the decades, where the industry is today and how he feels it will evolve in the years to come.
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In this episode of E&P Reports we chat with Judi Terzotis and Kevin Hall the publisher and president of Georges Media Group along with Barbara Leader, the new Managing Editor of the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate about their recent expansion into the state's third largest metro market that already has a 6-day a week Gannett newspaper.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we meet the new editor of the rereleased USA TODAY Best-Selling Books List, Barbara VanDenburgh. We talk with VanDenburgh about why bringing back the USA Today lists is important and how she feels about her new role with national influence over the very competitive book publishing industry.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we chat with the newest addition to The Washington Post's Op-Ed team, Renee Yaseem, a GenZ intern who pens a twice-weekly newsletter called Post Grad. Although just a few weeks in, Yaseen has a vast following that reads her advice and perspective on the many challenges that face today's young adults. We ask Yaseem what it is like to publish to such a large audience under the auspices of The Post masthead and how she feels about the responsibility of having so much "influence" at such a young age.
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In this episode of E&P Reports, we go one-on-one with one of the key players in helping champion tax incentive-based legislation through the U.S. Congress, Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers, one of North America's largest news media trade organizations. Ridings offers a quick history of the new Community News and Small Business Support Act (H.R.4756), a bill designed to help sustain local journalism through tax breaks for those who pay newsroom salaries and small businesses who support local journalism through their advertising dollars. Ridings also speaks frankly about the chances of eventual passage of the bill and what each local news publisher can do to help make it happen.
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In this Episode of "E&P Reports," we explore the challenges in selling digital solutions to small businesses in a competitive marketplace with senior executive, entrepreneur and media advertising expert Brock Berry, CEO and founder of AdCellerant. Utilizing Berry's real-world experience leading a major technology company providing digital solutions to hundreds of local media companies for thousands of businesses, we gain his insights on the most effective ways we can serve, sell and maintain local advertising revenue through the sale of all forms of multimedia solutions.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we look at the last few weeks in the life of Canadian news publishing through the eyes of Paul Deegan, president and CEO of the country’s largest industry trade organization, News Media Canada. Deegan unpacks the similarities and differences between Canada and the U.S. in national advocacy of Big Tech compensation legislation. He also discusses the battles that are now going on between Google /Facebook and the Canadian government as the digital platforms threaten to remove news content within the country, and Ottawa fights back by pulling ad dollars from the platforms.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we unpack the latest data from the Borrell Associates 2023 Local Advertising Survey with Borrell EVP Corey Elliott. We get a first look and analysis at the reported types of media being purchased and how local advertisers decide on and perceive the effectiveness of the many advertising solutions available in today’s multimedia landscape.
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Gannett vs. Google. Canada’s Online News Act's impact on the JCPA. The LJSA, AI and more

Danielle Coffey’s first few weeks leading the News/Media Alliance (NMA) were anything but "business as usual." In her first 25 days as CEO, she and her team are addressing some of the most critical issues and advocacy facing news media's future, including Gannett’s recent antitrust filing against Google; Canada's final passage of the their Journalism Compensation Bill and how this may impact the U.S. Congress passing similar legislation.
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In this episode of E&P reports, we go one-on-one with Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom leader Peter Bhatia, who recently exited his post as editor-in-chief of Gannett's Detroit Free Press to lead a new free-access, nonprofit, Texas-based digital local news startup, Houston Landing.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with The NewsGuild - Communications Workers of America's President Jon Schleuss on why the past 12 months have had more strikes and walkouts than in the history of the Guild. He also offers insights on how hedge fund owners' entry and subsequent downsizing of so many news media properties today are hurting the workers they employ, the communities they serve and our democracy as a whole.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with the outspoken reporter for Media News Group's Pottstown (PA) Mercury, Evan Brandt, where we explore what it is like to be the last local journalist remaining at this "ghost paper" that serves a suburban Philadelphia community of over 40,000. Brandt offers insight into his 25+ years at The Mercury, the several ownership bankruptcies that created years of serial downsizing, and how today he works out of his own attic to cover beats once reported on by a team of 30+ reporters.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," we explore the Tri-City Record, a new, five-day-a-week free publication serving San Juan County, New Mexico, being launched by Ballentine Communications, the owners of the Durango (CO) Herald. We learn from board chairman/ owner Richard G. Ballentine and new Record Publisher David Cook why they believe there is a real opportunity for expansion into this area already served by an existing Gannett title since that paper has drastically cut back on staff and content over the past few years.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)’s general counsel, Mickey Osterreicher, to gain some advice on how both the news industry and the nation's law enforcement can work better together to respect the 1st Amendment, while each goes about their tough jobs during times of crime and crises. We also chat with him about his perspectives on helping define who a journalist is, especially now, as so many citizens are recording news on their personal devices.
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In this episode we chat with two of the founding board members of the new Maine Journalism Foundation (MaineJF), an organization racing to raise $15 million to purchase and keep the now-for-sale Masthead Maine (publisher of 23 newspapers) out of corporate hands. In this episode are MaineJF president and well-known retired local journalist Bill Nemitz and board member and Maine resident Emily Barr, who recently retired as the president & CEO of Graham Media Group.
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In this 186th episode of “E&P Reports,” we explore the nonprofit, nonpartisan Trust Project as we chat one-on-one with its founder and CEO, Peabody Award-winning journalist Sally Lehrman, who talks about the organizations founding in 2014 and the methods they employ today to: "Help news organizations make it clear that we do have standards and policies and rules that help journalists walk this path of independence and away from any kind of personal agenda, business agenda, or government agenda.”
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In this 185th episode of "E&P Reports," we chat with Editor & Publisher's new Technology Columnist, well-known media consultant Guy Tasaka about his recent report on the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) 2023 annual convention to learn what the news publishing industry should know from the world's largest gathering of broadcast professionals.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we explore the world of philanthropy through the eyes of those who are in charge of where the money goes with The Chronicle of Philanthropy's editor Stacy Palmer, who offers insights into the whys and hows big donors are motivated to support local journalism.
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Imagine you are managing a metro, state capital newsroom. And within four weeks, you are covering once-in-a-generation tornado devastation, a school shooting that takes the lives of six individuals, a legislature that expels two minority members erupting into a globally watched real-time protest, the crash of two Black Hawk helicopters and the passage of several local and statewide anti-LBGTQ bills, one that bans the performance of drag shows.....
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This special "E&P Reports," is part of the new initiative we call "The Local News Road Show,” produced in partnership with the Rebuild Local News Coalition. In this episode, we travel to St. Lawrence County, NY, where in 2019, the community lost all four local newspapers, causing businesses and citizens to rally together to help bring them back just two years later.
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In this 181st episode of E&P Reports, we “look under the hood” at the Charleston Post and Courier's tailor-made, market-by-market, statewide expansion and why, while others are downsizing, they are finding innovative ways to provide quality local journalism throughout South Carolina. Appearing on this broadcast are P&C Executive Editor Autumn Phillips and Chief Opportunity & Marketing Officer Chris Zoeller, along with PJ Browning, president newspaper division at Evening Post Publishing.
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In this 180th episode of “E&P Reports," we speak with two reporters covering beats that exist today, thanks to the funding managed by Journalism Funding Partners (JFP). Appearing are the Nashville Tennessean’s first reporter to be focused solely on First Amendment issues, Angele Latham and the Raleigh News and Observer's new climate change and environment reporter Adam Wagner. Explaining how JFP was able to help create these and other new local journalism initiatives is executive director Rusty Coats.
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E&P interviews five of the six news publishing disruptors who’ve banded together to form the Alliance for Sustainable Local News, a diverse group that are collaborating to build a "genuine, sustainable local news publishing business model." Discover more about their methods and goals, from the Baltimore Banner’s Imtiaz Patel, The Colorado Sun’s Larry Ryckman, the Daily Memphian’s Eric Barnes, Long Beach Post’s David Sommers, and Lookout Local’s Ken Doctor.
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This special "E&P Reports," is part of the new initiative we call "The Local News Road Show,” produced in partnership with the Rebuild Local News Coalition," where we explore a single week in the life of the 167-year-old Pulaski (TN) Citizen — a newspaper announced its closing, the citizen's reactions to the pending loss of their newspaper of record, and the last-minute saving of the publication as a new owner swooped in to purchase it. Chatting with the host and publisher of E&P Magazine, Mike Blinder, were recently-elected Pulaski Mayor J.J. Brindley, Citizen Publisher and Pulaski life-long resident Scott Stewart, and the new owner of the paper, Main Street Media's CEO and Founder Dave Gould.
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In this 177th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Dr. Richard Haass, the president of the Council of Foreign Relations and author of the current New York Times bestseller: “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens,” where he looks at what we as Americans should do to maintain a healthy democracy. In this episode, Dr. Haass speaks about our first “obligation,” asking us to “be informed.” Within the discussion, Haass addresses the role news media can play in helping reverse what he describes as a “civics deficit” within our citizenry and what role we in the media might play to help better educate and inform, so our readers can become better Americans.
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In this 176th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with multimedia sales guru Ryan Dohrn to gain new ideas he shares on how news publishers can grow top-line revenue in the ever-increasing turbulence in a post-covid market. He offers innovative insights into how any media sales rep can build essential relationships with new advertisers in a very competitive media ecosystem. Dohrn also provides a sneak peek into what will be presented at the April 2023 Niche Media Conference in New Orleans and why any media company today should be "all in" on creating niche media products.
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A discussion with EO Media Group on their new start-up, The Rogue Valley Tribune

In this 175th episode of "E&P Reports," we explore how EO Media Group is replacing the now shut-down Medford, Oregon Mail Tribune with its new start-up publication: "The Rogue Valley Tribune." We speak with EO Media Group's COO Heidi Wright and EO Media Group Board Member and Director of Audience Development Susan Forester Rana about why and how the company is committing to launch a new print publication during such tumultuous times. Also joining in the dialogue is David Smigelski, former editor of the Mail Tribune, now in his first week of print publishing as editor of the new The Rogue Valley Tribune.
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In this 174th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Alaska Daily News, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and executive producer of the ABC TV series "Alaska Daily," Kyle Hopkins. E&P Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with Hopkins not only about his role in making the show, but how his original reporting on the failures of the criminal justice system across Alaska inspired the stories the actors are telling with each episode.
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In this 173rd episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with Peter Laufer, Ph.D., an award-winning journalist, professor of journalism, James N. Wallace Chair of Journalism at the University of Oregon and author of "Slow News: A Manifesto for the Critical News Consumer." We ask Laufer about his recent campaign to get Gannett to donate the city’s paper of record, The Eugene Register-Guard, to the school and his views on the media industry today.
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In this 172nd episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Steven Waldman, co-founder of Report for America and chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition, an alliance of local news organizations developed to advance a range of public policies addressing the accelerating crisis in local news. Waldman speaks to why the new coalition is necessary and what its priorities are, what initiatives they are championing and how they can help move public policies along on a state and national level.
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In this 171st episode of E&P Reports, we reveal the story of the re-birth of suburban Philly weekly, The Bucks County Herald, which rose from the ashes of the global pandemic through a transformation from a family-owned to a non-profit foundation-run local news enterprise. E&P Publisher Mike Blinder question Bridget Wingert, founding editor, and her son Joe Winegert, publisher, on how they formed the new entity, what the community support is like and is this business model one that others can easily replicate.
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In this 170th episode of E&P reports, chats with well-known news publishing analyst Ken Doctor, who recently published a lengthy update on the 2-year progress of his innovative Santa Cruz, CA digital news start-up, Lookout Local, while also stating that he is proving that “a robust replacement for suicidal dailies can, indeed, be built. That’s especially important in the age of Gannett’s trainwreck, Axios Local’s skimming, and the misguided Journalism Competition and Preservation act currently before Congress.” Also appearing is Ashley Harmon (Holmes), Lookout Local’s new director of sales & marketing.
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One-on-one with Danielle Coffey

In this 169th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Danielle Coffey, Executive VP & General Counsel for the News/ Media Alliance (NMA), to gain her perspective on what really happened in 2022 to the nearly passed Journalism Competition and Preservation Act” (JCPA). She'll also address why this controversial legislation, designed to allow news publishers to collectively negotiate with “big tech” platforms like Google and Facebook for fair compensation for news content, failed to become the law of the land. Coffey also reviews the next steps the NMA will take for the JCPA and the future of other compensation models like publisher tax credits and several pending antitrust suits currently being filed by local media companies
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In this 168th episode of "E&P Reports," we feature a special, inspirational, and motivational interview with Dave Stevens, an Emmy award-winning broadcaster born without legs, who is helping others with disabilities find careers across all forms of media. Stevens chats with E&P Publisher Mike Blinder about his passion for sports, media, and helping others to look beyond their personal challenges and those of others.
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In hopes to make it easier for the public to recognize trustworthy journalism, Reporters Without Borders created the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) in 2019 offering a three-step process to help media outlets distinguish themselves from the myriad of other sources sharing information on the internet and social media. In this 167th episode of “E&P Reports,” we chat about the JTI with Beth Potter, Ph.D., U.S. regional manager of the Journalism Trust Initiative; Paul Samyn, editor of the Winnipeg Free Press; and Kevin Rehberg, vice president of client development at the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM).
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In this 166th episode of “E&P Reports,” internationally recognized journalist/ cartoonist Rob Tornoe reviews some of his 2022 monthly contributions to E&P Magazine, which include his March 2022 interview with The New York Times's David Leonhardt on “The polarization of pandemic reporting.” An April 2022 column looked at editorial cartoonist David Fitzsimmons. May 2022’s look at how the Pulitzer prize category changes left illustrators feeling slighted.
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Consultant/ columnist Doug Phares

In this 165th episode of “E&P Reports," we review this year's contributions to Editor & Publisher Magazine from consultant Dough Phares's "The Corner Office, his monthly advice column for c-suite executives. Topics we cover include how to better onboard and retain quality talent, increasing productivity with what he calls a "Big Mac Presentation," and how to bolster sales by "Getting to the no," increasing a manager's self-awareness by asking, "Are you managing or doing?" And there's much more.
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In this 164th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Local Media Association (LMA) and associated Local Media Foundation CEO Nancy Lane on her impressions of how the millions of dollars that Meta/ Facebook has donated to the news publishing industry since 2019 has benefited local journalism and the impact it may have in the future as those funds cease to exist. We also posed questions on the future of local news enterprises and what she feels are viable, sustainable business models for local journalism.
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In this 163rd episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with ProPublica founder Dick Tofel, first on his latest opinion piece on how there may be some flaws in how organizations like LION Publishers and the Knight Foundation award millions in philanthropic journalistic funds. And his views that the only sustainable model for local journalism will be nonprofit enterprises.
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In this 162nd episode, we go one-on-one with Jeff Jarvis asking his reasons for not supporting current congressional big-tech fair compensation efforts and antitrust legislation. Why is the industry making a big mistake moving toward paid content models, Why he believes "Media forms have half-lives, newspapers & magazines are fading, and broadcast's age is ending."
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In this 161st edition of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with John Garrett, CEO and founder of Community Impact, a community newspaper publishing company that mails over 2.5-million editions monthly to over 60 Texas communities while employing over 200 journalists, salespeople and support staff. E&P Publisher Mike Blinder and contributing writer Victoria Holmes ask Garett how he maintains growth and profitability in a news ecosystem that has compressed and shrunk its commitment to people and print.
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Andrew Conte’s new book: "Death of the Daily News."

In this 160th episode of “E&P Reports,” we interview veteran reporter-turned-educator Andrew Conte, who founded the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. He is also the author of “Death of the Daily News,” his latest book, which takes an in-depth look, via local reporting, at what happens when one local community loses its newspaper of record and flounders to find other forms of local journalism.
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Ned Seaton stands up for the news publishing industry

In this 159th episode of "E&P Reports," we interview Ned Seaton, the GM and editor-in-chief of the Manhattan (KS) Mercury and the Times of Pottawatomie County Kansas, the newspaper of record of Westmorland, KS. The town decided to suspend the placement of public notices in the local newspaper and then reverse itself when reminded by Seaton of the value and overall benefit the practice itself has for the community as a whole. Also appearing is Emily Bradbury - Executive Director of the Kansas Press Association. She offers her perspective on how important it is that news publishers help in all ways possible to keep this practice in place.
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In this 158th episode of “E&P Reports” we interview Bill Patterson, Publisher of the Denton (TX) Daily Record-Chronicle, Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, CEO and Co-Founder at The National Trust for Local News (NTLN), Senior Research Fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism and Nico Leone, President & CEO of KERA the public broadcasting outlet in North Texas that just announced the purchase of the Daily Record with the assistance of NTLN. Patterson speaks to how and why he sought out the sale of his 3-generation family-owned media company, while Leone talks about the benefit to public broadcasting expanding into local legacy news and Shapiro explains how deals like this are made and how they may be become much more common in the future.  
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In this 157th episode of “E&P Reports,” E&P Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with Nicole Carroll, president of news and editor-in-chief of USA TODAY, about the past 40 years for this iconic news media brand and its evolution to a multi-platform national information outlet. Their conversation occurred in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian, a devastating storm for Florida, where Gannett operates 18 daily operations, including in Ft. Myers and Naples. Carroll reported to Blinder that at least three of their journalists’ homes were no longer habitable.
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In this 156th episode of E&P Reports, meet Kevin Dilley, the director of Kent State University Media, where we explore the work the 400+ students produce for 10 distinct media outlets and 30+ media platforms. Plus, E&P Publisher Mike Blinder and contributing journalist Victoria Holmes ask Dilley how he feels about the future of News Publishing as being one of the educators that helps today's students become tomorrow's industry leaders.
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In this 155th episode of “E&P Reports,” we go one-on-one with Chris Stirewalt, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), contributing editor for The Dispatch and author of his new book, “Broken News: Why the Media Rage Machine Divides America and How to Fight Back,” where he writes about his time as the top political editor and election forecaster for the Fox News channel and how he became famous (and subsequently vilified) for being the first to correctly call the 2020 election results for the state of Arizona in favor of Biden. Stirewalt offers some inside intelligence and perspective on how the biased reporting of news media outlets like MSNBC and Fox News channel are helping divide our country and advises on how we, the news consumer, can help find some common ground.
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In this 154th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Cheryl Smith, Publisher/ Editor of I Messenger Media News Group & 2022 inductee in the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) Hall of Fame, where we discuss her career not only as a successful news publishing executive, but also her views on the industry as a whole, where it is heading, and how we can achieve more diversity, equity and inclusion to better represent the communities we serve.
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With elections, law enforcement agencies, the courts, elected officials, branches of the government and the very rule of law under sustained and concerted attack by its own citizens and elected leaders, there is no question that the media has an essential role to play in addressing these important issues. In this 153rd episode of “E&P Reports” Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with well-known TV commentator and journalist Mike Barnicle, where they discuss the state of the news media industry, and the challenges journalists are facing in reporting on the culture wars and political polarization that is affecting our society.
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The latest Gallup poll states that “Americans’ confidence in newspapers and television news has fallen to an all-time low,” revealing that only 16% of Americans “have a great deal/quite a lot of confidence in newspapers,” with just 11% having “some degree of confidence” in TV news. NewsGuard, is designed to help news consumers decide what sources to trust, using what it calls "nutrition labels" to rate over 7500 media outlets’ websites. Gordon Crovitz and Steven Brill the co-founders are featured in this week’s “E&P Reports,” discussing how the platform works and why it is important in today’s news ecosystem.
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In this 151st episode of “E&P Reports,” host Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with LGBTQ+ media publisher DJ Doran on how he kept his major market media enterprises thriving during a global pandemic, his news publishing plans for the future and his recent announcement to run as an openly gay candidate for Mayor of Chicago.
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In this 150th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with a longtime industry veteran and recent CRO of TownNews. Rick Rogers' journey from serving media companies as a vendor to becoming owner/ publisher of the Dallas suburban weekly newspaper group, Star Local Media, is highlighted. He talks frankly about why he chose to invest in local media, how he and his wife/ partner Elizabeth are facing the challenges of news publishing in today’s challenging marketplace and how his 1st quarter P & L fared.
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With the help of a database they’ve built over seven years, the investigative team discovers a tragic trend among police-involved shootings

Utilizing their nationwide database of fatal police shootings, a recent investigation by The Washington Post revealed that law enforcement killed the individuals they were called to assist in at least 178 cases over three years. In this 149th episode of “E&P Reports,” we speak with Jon Gerberg, a senior video journalist and member of the investigative team behind the story, along with Steven Rich, database editor for the investigations unit, on how data journalism can be an integral part of today’s investigative reporting.
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Meet Jennifer Kho

Jennifer Kho loves that Chicago is a “two-newspaper town.” She’s the new executive editor at one of those two newspapers, the Chicago Sun-Times. Kho hadn’t even fully moved from Los Angeles to Chicago when her newsroom faced the monumental and solemn challenge of reporting on the July 4th mass shooting in Highland Park. That day, a single shooter, with the aid of high-capacity weapons murdered seven people and injured dozens, terrorizing and traumatizing the community.
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In this 147th episode of "E&P Reports," we go one-on-one with Delano Massey, Managing Editor of Axios Local, exploring their mission to continue to provide "smart brevity" reporting not only at a national news level but now expanding into dozens of local markets, with plans to launch more by year's end. We also talked with Massey about his views on establishing equity, diversity & inclusion within our newsrooms, based predominantly on his experiences working with then CNN President Jeff Zucker on creating the network's Race & Equity team.
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In this 146th episode of "E&P Reports," you will meet two integral founders of Jacksonville, Florida's newest nonprofit news start-up, The Tributary. On this broadcast are Andrew Pantazi, the founding editor and Deirdre Conner, board chairman, who will talk about the challenges of building a nonprofit media entity along with their new, innovative model of providing an investigative news outlet that shares content with other local news media.
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Map: Medill Local News Initiative Source: Local News Initiative Database

Newspapers were once at the heart of local communities — a vital way Americans found out about their neighbors and shared information. But now, as newspapers shut down across the country, the malignant spread of misinformation and disinformation take their place. A report from Medill called “The State of Local News 2022” finds that a fifth of the population lives in a news desert or a community at risk of becoming one.
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In this 144th episode of E&P Reports, meet National Public Radio’s (NPR) new cohost of 'All Things Considered,’ Juana Summers, who will talk about her new job, the internal culture of NPR and offer some advice to young journalists of color on how to advance within the industry.
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In this 143rd episode of "E&P Reports," we revisit with Mike DeLuca, Group Publisher and President of Hearst Connecticut (HCMG), and Wen¬¬dy Metcalfe, the Senior Vice President of Content & Editor-in-Chief, about the strategies and formulas they are deploying to become what is now is arguably the most successful local news operation in the nation in achieving reader growth.
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In this 142nd episode of E&P Reports, meet the Boston Globe Rhode Island's editor, Lylah M. Alphonse, and one of the original bureau hires, Dan McGowan, who produces their daily “Rhode Map” newsletter. They will talk about the Globe's growing southward expansion and their commitment to providing statewide news content. Also appearing is Michelle Micone, the Boston Globe’s Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, who will speak to the Globe’s overall strategy in expanding into new content areas and neighboring markets.
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Meet TV host/ producer and columnist, Peter Funt who started his media career at the age of 3 appearing on his dad’s iconic TV show, Candid Camera with Allen Funt. Peter today still stars in and produces the show along with penning op-eds for The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times as well as a weekly column, distributed by the Cagle Syndicate. In this 141st episode of E&P Reports Peter chats about his years in media from black & white TV to the digital world of today.
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In this 140th episode of "E&P Reports," publisher Mike Blinder interviews Francesca Chambers, the new White House Correspondent for USA Today, about what’s it like to be part of the White House press pool and what advice she can offer other aspiring journalists who may have a passion for politics on how to advance and grow within the industry,
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In this 139th episode of “E&P Reports,” professor and media historian Jon Marshall offers an overview of his latest book, “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.” During the broadcast, he discusses some of the most interesting ways that over 200 years of various white house administrations dealt with the press.
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The minority owned, trilingual La Gaceta newspaper carries on its heritage of informing and entertaining its readers.

In 1913, Victoriano Manteiga came to the United States from Cuba and went to work as a “lector,” reading the news of the day to the immigrant workers of the Morgan Cigar Factory in Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District in Tampa. In 1922 he founded a newspaper for those workers that is now celebrating 100-years of service. Today Victoriano’s grandson Patrick Manteiga is “at the helm" of La Gaceta, the nation’s only trilingual newspaper still informing, influencing, and thriving as it publishes weekly in English, Spanish and Italian.
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New association’s name adds a 'slash' becoming: News/Media Alliance

In this 137th episode of “E&P Reports," David Chavern, president and CEO of News Media Alliance, is joined by Rita Cohen, president and CEO of The Association of Magazine Media, to talk about why these two organizations have merged and what the future holds for the new association that represents hundreds of publishers nationwide.
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In this 136th episode of "E&P Reports," Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism's Founder & Chairman Stewart Bainum, Jr. and CEO Imtiaz Patel chat about their 18-month journey together, first to try to acquire the 184-year-old Baltimore Sun and then their "pivot" to launch a nonprofit news start-up The Baltimore Banner, to accomplish their mission to become Baltimore’s “leading provider of news and lifestyle content."
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Sophisticated technologies now make video manipulation easier and potentially more dangerous

On this 135th episode of E&P Reports Sam Gregory, program director at WITNESS.org discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in video and audio and how computer-generated graphics (CGI) technologies have gotten exponentially more sophisticated and accessible in recent years.
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In this 134th episode of "E&P Reports," Borrell Associates CEO Gordon Borrell breaks down the numbers in their latest Local Digital Advertising Benchmark Study. Also joining in the conversation to offer insight into how this information can benefit the news media industry are Angela Betasso, president and CEO, JDA Media andTom Sly, VP, revenue national media at The E.W. Scripps Company.
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In this 133rd episode of “E&P Reports,” Liz White, Publisher & Executive Vice President of Record-Journal Publishing Company (R-J Media), is joined by Strategic Sales Manager Jaime Gianini to explain how they developed, presented and eventually gained approval for the “Meriden Business Boost” program, that allows 150 local businesses to tap into American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to advertise with their company for free!
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Meet Ben August, NYC's newest publisher

In this 132nd episode of E&P Reports, Ben August, the new owner and publisher of The Chief, New York City’s weekly newspaper for municipal workers, explains why he is spending less time on his Napa Vineyard and more time devoted to transforming a more than 100-year-old newspaper into a modernized voice for workers everywhere.
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In this 131st episode of “E&P Reports,” we explore the world of publishing a weekly newspaper in a remote Alaskan community with the Cordova Times' editor Annette Potter and contributing writer Zachary Snowdon Smith. This tribal owned publication needs to find a new owner to relocate to what Niche.com describes as "one of the best places to live in Alaska."
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In this 130th episode of "E&P Reports," meet two former editorial staff members of Lee Enterprises’ Roanoke (VA) Times, Luanne Rife and Dwayne Yancey, who both resigned to start this growing online-only, non-profit start-up, The Cardinal News, as their Executive Director/ Chief Development Officer and Editor-in-Chief (respectively).
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Debate on public notices shines a light on changing relationships between news publishers and state legislators

In this 129th episode of "E&P Reports," Editor & Publisher hosts a panel of news publishing leaders on how this reversal may have been avoided and what the future may hold as states might be compelled to mimic Florida's actions. Speaking on this topic are Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers; Jim Fogler, President & CEO; Florida Press Assoc., Brad Thompson, CEO Detroit Legal News; Don Craven, President & CEO, Illinois Press Assoc.; Samuel Morley, General Counsel, Florida Press Assoc. and Bill Barker, Founder & CEO, Barker Strategic Solutions and past Regional President for Gannett Florida.
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In this 128th episode of “E&P Reports,” Column founder and CEO Jake Seaton talks with E&P about the compelling data his company compiled, showing how efficiently the current public notice system in Florida is working, as well as his experiences meeting with legislators and giving testimony to try to keep a 68-day old law from being repealed
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War breaks out during his 1st week at USA Today

In this 127th episode of “E&P Reports,” syndicated columnist Rex Huppke discusses how in his youth, he made a change from a career in chemical engineering to journalism and what it is like today to write his style of political humor in such a polarized country. Plus, E&P Publisher Mike Blinder asks Rex how he comes up with his topics and reviews those debut columns for USA TODAY as war breaks out in Europe.
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In this 126th episode of “E&P Reports," Russell Midori, President of Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ) discusses how they support career growth for vets in the news publishing industry. Joining in is Lori King, host and producer of the MVJ podcast “Sword & Pen” and a journalism instructor at The University of Toledo and Kent State University.
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In this 125th episode of “E&P Reports,” industry veterans Jed Williams and David Arkin talk about their new project: Check Out DFW and why their business model is centered around marketing partnerships, advertising, and a good deal of sponsored content.
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The importance of DEI and what news publishers can do now to reflect the communities we serve

In this 124th episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder interviews Larry Graham, founder and executive director of The Diversity Pledge Institute, along with Doris Truong, Director of Training and Diversity at The Poynter Institute, about the importance of achieving more diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the news publishing industry and what resources are available now to help executives accomplish those goals.
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Meet Joel Langton of the 830 Times.

In this 123rd episode of "E&P Reports," Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with Joel Langton, the air force public affairs veteran who saved a Texas border town from becoming a news desert with a thriving, local news outlet publishing an ad packed, free weekly newspaper.
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A preview of today's Congressional hearing

The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA) hopes to bring Big Tech to the bargaining table with U.S. news publishers. On this 122nd episode of E&P Reports, Danielle Coffey, executive vice president and general counsel for the News Media Alliance (NMA), and economist Dr. Hal Singer, managing director, Econ One, discuss why this legislation is urgently needed and offer advance insight into this week’s Congressional hearing before the Senate's Antitrust Committee, where the JCPA will be debated and Dr. Singer will be testifying.
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In this 121st episode of "E&P Reports," Publisher Mike Blinder chats with industry technology veteran Kurt Jackson about his views on all aspects of news publishing, including cutting back on print frequency, how selling digital ads CAN support a local newsroom, why Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act should be repealed and lots more.
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One recipient, Block Club Chicago, hopes to “supercharge” operations with the funding

In the past 30 days, the American Journalism Project (AJP) awarded a grant of $1.6 million to Block Club Chicago and contributed to the $20 million in seed money to a new, nonprofit, Houston-based local news outlet. E&P Reports takes an in-depth look at the AJP’s mission of “empowering communities, preserving democracy and rebuilding local news” and how one organization hopes to “supercharge” operations with this recent funding.
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In this 119th episode of E&P Reports, Jim Brown of Borrell Associates reveals the findings of their newly released Auto Advertising Outlook study that shows a major shift (and 11% increase for newspapers) in ad spending. Offering insight are long-time auto industry veteran and JDA media’s SVP Pat Norris & E&P's "Ad Sales Life" contributor Richard E. Brown.
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In this 118th episode of E&P Reports, Publisher Mike Blinder is joined by Roxanne Cooper, executive editor and publisher at Raw Story and two of the journalists who shared their reporting experiences on the January 6th attack — Jordan Green, staff reporter at Raw Story, and Christopher Jones, a former U.S. Marine turned Report for America journalist who now reports for the GroundTruth Project, 100 Days in Appalachia and the 2021 recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting.
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Digital news publisher integrates news and the social media experience

In this 117th episode of "E&P Reports" Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with 6AM City CEO Ryan Johnston about the growth of this local news "disruptor" that now publishes newsletters 5 days-a-week in 24 U.S. cities. 
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As live conferences return and industry moguls get a chance to mingle again, there is no question that Borrell Miami on March 6-8th at the Miami Hilton will once again be a "who's who" of C-suite executives from all sectors of media. In this 116th episode of E&P Reports, Publisher Mike Blinder welcomes Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates, who offers a preview of what to expect at Borrell Miami 2022.
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U.S. publishers take on the Big Tech platforms, accusing them of monopolistic advertising practices and unfair copyright violations

The case spearheaded by HD Media now has approximately 30 co-plaintiffs, representing more than 200 newspaper titles across North America. David Chavern, President / CEO of the News Media Alliance and Lee Wolverton, VP News/ Executive Editor at HD Media chat with E&P's Contributing Editor Gretchen Peck and Publisher Mike Blinder about the latest developments in the class action lawsuit naming both Google and Facebook as defendants and why more publishers are needed now, to participate.
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Exploring the life of a small town online-only news publisher

In this 114th episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with industry veteran and founding board member of Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION), Howard Owens about his 14 years as a local online-only news publisher and his feelings on the future of the industry as a whole.
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Asked to sign a pledge in support of Israel, one publisher took a stand

In this 113th episode of “E&P Reports, Alan Leveritt publisher of the Arkansas Times and ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Brian Hauss talk about a two year battle, that has gained international prominence, between the Times and the state of Arkansas, on the newspapers’ refusal to sign a pledge to support Israel in order to continue receiving advertising dollars from the state university. Also, on the program appears award winning film producer Julia Bacha, who has just completed a documentary on the impact of state legislation designed to penalize individuals and companies that choose to boycott Israel due to its human rights record.
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What the heck does it mean?

On this 112th episode of E&P Reports, Host Mike Blinder speaks with Gordon Borrell, founder and principal of Borrell Associates; Rick Edmonds, media business analyst for Poynter Institute; Steven Waldman, president and co-founder of Report for America; and Gretchen A. Peck, contributing editor at E&P, about Alden Global Capital’s offer to buy Lee Enterprises. They talk about the offer, the timing, the oncoming culture clash if the deal goes through, the possibility of pleading an anti-trust case, and so much more.
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In this 111th episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with TV ad sales expert Jim Doyle to learn more about his new book: “Selling with a Servant Heart” and how any salesperson, sales manager or media company as a whole can benefit from adopting this approach to advertising sales.
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On this 110th episode of E&P Reports, Publisher and Host Mike Blinder sat down with the National Newspapers Association’s (NNA) chair, Brett Wesner, and E&P contributing editor Gretchen Peck to talk about the urgency for advocacy for the Local Journalism Sustainability Act (LJSA).
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In this 109th episode of "E&P Reports," Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with Adam Darsky to learn about his leap from major market, network news TV producer to head of content for over 90 hyper-local, online only news Websites.
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In this 108th episode of "E&P Reports," Publisher Mike Blinder explores Native American news publishing and its challenges in providing free and unfettered news to the indigenous American populations it serves.
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Live from the America's Newspapers' Senior Leadership Conference

In this 107th episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder moderates, live from America's Newspaper's Senior Leadership Conference, a panel of industry executives that includes Heidi Wright, COO and Publisher, EO Media Group; Tim Prince, Senior Vice President, Boone Newspapers, Inc; PJ Browning, President and Publisher, The Post and Courier and John Rung, President and CEO, Shaw Media who address some important predictions on what the future holds for news publishers.
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In this 106th episode of "E&P Reports," Publisher Mike Blinder interviews CherryRoad's CEO Jeremy Gulban about why his technology company is "all-in" with newspaper ownership and his plans for managing their 27 local publications. And does his future include more growth in the news publishing industry? Also appearing in this episode is Sara April, from Dirks, Van Essen & April, who talks about the recent sale and offers her perspective on the current mergers & acquisition landscape for both buyers and sellers.
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In this 105th Episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder explores Raw Story’s editorial mission and today’s news media ecosystem as a whole, with their Publisher, Roxanne Cooper, staff reporter Jordan Green and contributor David Cay Johnston.
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In this 104th episode of “E&P Reports,” publisher Mike Blinder speaks with Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) immediate past president and opinion editor at the San Diego News and Tribune, Matt Hall along with chair of the Freedom of Information Task Force of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) and editor at the Chesapeake Bay Journal, Tim Wheeler about how these two organizations (and 23 others) are working towards helping the industry gain more media access to government employees without censorship and controls.’’
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In this 103rd episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with Nick Charles, The Managing Director for Word in Black, Francis (Toni) Draper, CEO/Publisher The Baltimore/ Washington AFRO and Larry Lee, President, Publisher at The Sacramento Observer. They discuss the state of the Black-owned newspaper industry and what Word in Black is doing to support these publishers.
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In this 102nd episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with JournalList.net founder and Executive Director Scott Yates about their mission to have the Trust.txt reference document adopted and utilized by journalistic sites worldwide as a means to establish their authority as a trusted, credible, legitimate news outlet.
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In this episode of E&P reports, Publisher Mike Blinder interviews Terrence Williams, President & COO of the Keene Sentinel and Julianna Dodson, the director of Radically Rural, on how their yearly "Summit" has grown from a small-town gathering to an event attended by people from across North America. We also discuss how this year's event focuses on helping to ensure the financial health of local journalism.
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In this 100th Episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with industry veteran Henry Scott on his 8-years building a successful, profitable local news Website and what key lessons he learned others could use to mimic that success. Included on the Vodcast page is a link to download Scott's FREE 20-page report.
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Meet the new CEO at The Center for Public Integrity.

In this episode of E&P Reports, Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with Center for Public Integrity new CEO Paul Cheung and Editor-in-Chief Matt DeRienzo about the organization's near-term plans. They also discuss how Cheung's digital background may affect their methods to continue in their mission to fight inequality in America.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with Canadian digital news disruptor Observer Media Group’s CEO and Co-Founder Farhan Mohamed about their business model, editorial focus and plans for expansion across North America.
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Meet Greg Little author of "- 30 -"

In this episode of “E&P Reports,” Publisher Mike Blinder speaks with Greg Little author of “-30- Why Small-Town American Print Journalism is Anything But Dead,” about why he wrote the book, his opinions on the future of community journalism, and what advice he would give any budding journalist who wishes to enter the industry.
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In this episode of “E&P Reports,” publisher Mike Blinder discusses the Local Journalism Sustainability Act with Alan Fisco, president of America’s Newspapers and president of The Seattle Times Company; Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers; and Francis Wick, CEO of Wick Communications. They discuss why the next few weeks are critical for all news publishers to lobby their local representatives to support the bill.
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A collaboration of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN), the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP), and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Last week, E&P Publisher Mike Blinder hosted a panel discussion about the GNI Ad Transformation Lab at the Association of Alternative Newsmedia's annual conference. This Episode of “E&P Reports” is a recording of that live panel discussion about the program’s work to help Black and Latino news publishers advance their advertising strategies and grow digital revenue.
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In this episode of "E&P Reports," Publisher Mike Blinder goes one-on-one with ING Board Member Steve Mattingly, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Southern Lithoplate, to gain insight into the future of the still vital production/operations sector of the news publishing business. Topics include how the industry consolidation will affect bottom lines and what the future looks like for print as a profitable platform for news content.
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