Editor and Publisher Reports

In a media environment that is often dominated by narratives of decline, layoffs, and shrinking local news outlets, The Poynter Institute’s newly released report offers a refreshing perspective. Titled “OnPoynt — Values Rising: Trends and Traction in Journalism and the News Industry,” the study showcases optimism and innovation in journalism despite well-known challenges. In this recent interview, Neil Brown, President of Poynter, shared insights on the report and how local journalism is evolving in ways that provide significant value to communities. The conversation highlighted the vitality of smaller, local news startups, alternative forms of content distribution, and the promise of AI. Learn more at this episodes offical E&P page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/redefining-value-neil-brown-breaks-down-poynters-vision-for-journalisms-future,251986  

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. Lean more on the episode's landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/a-journalist-secretly-under-fire-the-hidden-investigation-of-maya-lau-by-the-la-sheriffs,251874

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, More information at E&P Magazine episode landing page: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/lookout-local-expands-to-oregon-bringing-back-jed-williams-promoting-ashley-harmon-and-hiring-nyt,251766?

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. Coffey emphasized the ongoing challenges and opportunities for news publishers in securing fair compensation for their content from Big Tech platforms. She reiterated the importance of unity within the industry to navigate these changes effectively and advocated for continued legislative and legal efforts to protect and support quality journalism. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-california-to-congress-danielle-coffey-of-the-nma-breaks-down-the-california-google-deal-the,251625

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 claims to be dedicated to ensuring the integrity of public information. 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 original founders as they share insights into their mission and current initiatives. More at episode landing page on E&P site:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/mads-fight-against-fox-founders-discuss-their-fcc-push-and-this-weeks-open-letter-to-the,251463

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 Uvalde Leader-News, 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.” Access more at the episode's E&P Landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/navigating-tragedy-and-transformation-the-uvalde-leader-news-craig-garnett,251352  

In the ever-evolving media landscape, understanding how news is consumed across different social platforms is crucial for adapting to changing audience behaviors. 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. Read more at this episode's E&P Magazine landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-platforms-to-practice-key-findings-from-pews-social-media-study,251134  

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. Visit the episode page at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/navigating-the-challenges-of-usps-print-delivery,251018

In this exclusive interview with E&P Magazine, 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. Funded by the Stanton Foundation, the project aims to repackage traditional broadcast content to meet the digital consumption habits of younger audiences. Beaudet emphasizes leveraging digital platforms like TikTok and OTT to deliver short-form videos, experimenting with longer, context-rich stories, and focusing on authentic, relatable storytelling. By employing innovative strategies and maintaining flexibility in talent acquisition, Beaudet’s project offers a roadmap for news organizations to engage Gen Z and sustain quality journalism in the digital age.   Access more on the ineterview's E&P Magazine landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/engaging-the-next-generation-mike-beaudets-vision-for-gen-z

In a recent interview with Howard Homonoff, Senior National Advisor for Media & 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,” which highlights the severe challenges faced by local journalism, including a long-term decline in newsroom employment and the emergence of “news desert” communities. Learn more at: http://www.EditorandPublisher.com/Vodcasts   

In this exclusive interview with E&P, prominent American journalist, Guardian columnist and media critic Margaret Sullivan discussed 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 emphasized her efforts to reshape 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. Reference more information and complete audio transcipt at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/margaret-sullivan-on-controversies-at-the-post-and-prioritizing-her-focus-on-medias-critical,250533  

  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. Access links, audio transcripts and more info on this episode's landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/unveiling-the-secrets-of-sales-mastery-insights-from-jeffrey-sleete,250412

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. Access more at http://www.EditorandPublisher.com/Vodcasts    

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. Reference more at this episode's official E&P ;anding page,at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/newsguard-under-fire-balancing-credibility-and-controversy-in-modern-journalism,250118    

Dallas Morning News (DMN) publisher Grant Moise explains the decision to reintroduce the public editor position despite industry trends of cost-cutting, stating, "We looked at data points, we looked at our own internal reasons why subscribers were leaving us, and we just decided we couldn't afford not to make a bold move like this. So, we said, some papers will say, 'They can't afford it.’ We said, ‘We can't afford not to do this.'" Stephen Buckley, who recently began the role of public editor at DMN, explained: "I'm a bridge between our audience and the newsroom. So, as I get feedback from readers about our work, I will pass that on and investigate and inquire. I'll be asking questions about their coverage of stories and issues." Buckley added, "Independence is a really important part of this job, and, almost by definition, that means that it's going to be lonely sometimes, and that's okay.” Buckley’s impressive journalistic background includes over 11 years at the Washington Post as a local reporter and as

In September of 2021, CherryRoad Media, a Parsippany, New Jersey-based technology company, surprised the news media industry with its purchase of 20 newspapers from the Gannett. Since then, the company has continued to grow and expand its US holdings, now owning 85 newspapers across 18 states.\ Beyond purchasing existing titles, CherryRoad has also built new operations in some “news desert” communities who lost their local papers. Two of the most recent print/ digital “rebirths” were the mid-May 2024 launches of the Hutchinson (MN) Station and The Litchfield (MN) Rail, replacing the Hutchinson Leader and the Litchfield Independent Review, both stared in the 1880’s and announcing their closure in April of 2024.“It's a good time for anybody who wants to get into this business, because there's a lot of sellers and not a lot of buyers, stated Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CherryRoad. When asked about how he can maintain business profitability in his smallest market operation in Hamburg, Iowa (population 700), Gulban stat

Detroit Public Television, now rebranded as Detroit PBS, is making a notable return to the heart of the city, signifying a renewed dedication to serving its community with quality, trust, and fairness in media. In this exclusive interview with Rich Homberg, President & CEO of Detroit PBS, he reflects on his journey into public media and the organization's strategic shift towards strengthening local content. Homberg, whose background lies in commercial radio sales and news operations, shares insights into the evolving landscape of public media and the imperative for strong local journalism. During his 20-minute interview with E&P Publisher Mike Blinder, Homberg emphasized, “We are producing more content than we've ever produced in our history. However, simultaneously, we use, engage, and pivot off of national content as much as any station in the system.” Homberg went on to state, “Our core values are posted on the wall: Diversity, Engagement, Trust, Innovation. This is the mindset inside our building

Daniel Richardson, a Marine Corp veteran, UT Martin business management graduate and former CEO of Magic Valley Publishing, is making waves in the world of local community media. With a vision to bolster local journalism, Richardson has reopened several recently closed Tennessee newspapers once owned by Holler Media, adding to his growing media empire under the new Richardson Media Group banner. Richardson’s company now encompasses nine Tennessee titles, including The Fentress Courier, Livingston Enterprise, Citizen Statesman, the Jackson County Sentinel and Shelbyville Times-Gazette, formerly owned by Holler Media. Richardson's journey into media ownership is deeply rooted in family tradition. His late father, Dennis Richardson, another UT Martin alumnus, initiated the family's involvement in journalism by acquiring the Carroll County News in 1983, marking the genesis of Magic Valley Publishing. The inception of Richardson Media Group emerged when Apex Bank sought assistance from him to revive several shutte

The Local Media Association (LMA) and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) have united to establish the Pennsylvania Fundraising Lab. This groundbreaking venture is designed to empower Pennsylvania news organizations with the expertise and understanding needed to secure philanthropic funding for their reporting projects , thereby enhancing their financial sustainability and enabling them to continue delivering high-quality journalism.   In a recent episode of 'E&P Reports,' Frank Mungeam, LMA chief innovation officer, and Bill Cotter, PNA president, shared the success story of the LMA’s Lab for Journalism Funding. With over $23 million raised for journalism funding through the national lab, the decision to expand to a state-level initiative in Pennsylvania was a logical progression. The Pennsylvania Fundraising Lab will operate within a six-month ‘cohort learning format,' offering participating newsrooms the opportunity to learn from philanthropic fundraising experts, share best practices, and rec

In a groundbreaking move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a 2025 state budget that includes $90 million in tax credits for local news media outlets, marking a significant victory for the press and local journalism. The Empire State Local News Coalition, which helped champion this legislation, initially formed with 100 news publishers in February 2024 to work together and advocate for what was originally introduced as the New York State Local Journalism Sustainability Act. In just a few months, the coalition expanded to over 200 news outlets. Rebuild Local News, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advances public policies to help local news and community journalism, posted a press release supporting the legislation, stating that this is “the largest sum that any state has devoted to help struggling community news organizations.” The new legislation offers $30 million in guaranteed tax credits for three years, with $13 million each year allocated for news organizations with fewer than 100 employee