In an era when hedge funds gut local newspapers and trust in 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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/new-chapter-for-lansings-city-pulse-philanthropy-backs-fierce-independence,256921

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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/brewing-trust-how-a-newsroom-and-brewery-built-community-through-beer,256793

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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/when-tragedy-strikes-local-journalism-leads-coeur-dalene-press-responds-with-clarity-and,256682

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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/the-evolution-of-adams-from-publishing-to-multimedia,256583

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. 

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: 

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/rebuilding-local-news-by-thinking-like-an-entrepreneur,256483

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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/staying-local-staying-strong-jeffrey-warshaw-on-what-still-works-in-media,256362

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 Ben Weir is proving hyperlocal doesn’t mean old-school. Here’s how one free weekly is rewriting the playbook for local news success.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: 

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/innovating-hyperlocal-how-current-publishing-redefines-suburban-news,256246

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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/turning-a-small-town-newspaper-into-a-community-hub,256115

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’ll look like a software company.

Access more at this episode’s landing page: 

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-sales-to-saas-todd-handys-playbook-for-sustainable-local-media,256009

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 lays out why 85% of local outlets are capturing less than 10% of their digital ad potential and why newspapers, in particular, have seen zero digital revenue growth since 2020. He calls 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.

Access more from this episode’s landing page: 

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/gordon-borrell-warns-local-media-tipping-into-irrelevance-unless-urgent-changes-are-made,255823