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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/public-service-journalism-at-its-best-how-usa-today-shined-a-light-on-a-complex-story,253418

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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/gordon-borrell-discusses-key-insights-from-the-fall-2024-advertiser-study,253280

In the heart of Galveston County, a unique initiative is revitalizing local businesses and community engagement through an overlooked form of currency — the $2 bill. The Galveston Daily News, under the leadership of Publisher Leonard Woolsey and spearheaded by Michelle Robinson, its chief revenue director, has rolled out the “$2 Shopping Challenge,” a program designed to encourage residents to spend locally while creating a buzz around community investment.

The campaign combines creativity, community spirit and economic strategy, fostering relationships between businesses and consumers while demonstrating the impact of shopping locally. The challenge has gained traction through partnerships with Moody Bank, local chambers of commerce and economic development corporations, offering a model for other regions to emulate.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/woolsey-and-robinson-on-why-local-spending-starts-with-a-2-bill,253179

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 on the challenges facing the news industry and the steps needed to address them.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/defending-press-freedom-in-uncertain-times-mickey-osterreicher-on-the-challenges-ahead,253122

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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/a-legal-stand-against-google-wyatt-emmerich-on-helena-world-v-google-and-the-battle-for,252901

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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/inside-the-lenfest-openai-microsoft-partnership-one-on-one-with-jim-friedlich,252790

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.

Access more on this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/exploring-the-boundaries-of-journalism-amy-s-mitchell-on-cntis-defining-news-initiative,252667

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. The Accelerator Program is 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 interview with Editor & Publisher’s Mike Blinder, 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.

Access more on this episoodes landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-survival-to-sustainability-rfas-new-accelerator-program-helping-newsrooms-tap-into-new,252566

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.

Access the studies along with more info on this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/unlocking-the-value-of-local-news-consumers-data-driven-strategies-for-media-growth,252467 

The National Newspaper Association (NNA) has long been a key advocate for rural newspapers, championing their importance as trusted sources of information in communities across the United States. In this episode of E&P Reports, Mike Blinder sat down with Martha Diaz Aszkenazy, the newly elected chair of the NNA, and Brett Wesner, the past chairman, to 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 about COVID-19, RSV, and the flu, is not only a public health victory but also a significant financial win for rural newspapers. By including these newspapers in their paid advertising strategy, HHS is injecting crucial revenue into these publications, helping to sustain their operations and support the communities they serve. This partnership underscores the vital role that local newspapers play in public health outreach while providing much-needed financial support to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/unpacking-the-nna-hhs-rural-public-health-ad-campaign,252388