The battle over media regulation, political influence and journalistic integrity has reached a new flashpoint as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) faces scrutiny over its selective enforcement of cases involving major networks. At the center of the debate is Fox’s Philadelphia affiliate, WTXF, and whether its parent company should retain its broadcast license given the network's documented history of knowingly spreading falsehoods.

To unpack this issue, former FCC Chairman Al Sikes and longtime media executive Preston Padden — both leaders of the Media and Democracy Project — discussed the implications of the FCC’s actions and the broader stakes for press freedom and democracy. Their conversation highlights deep concerns about regulatory capture, the erosion of media accountability and the consequences of the FCC acting as a political weapon rather than an impartial guardian of the public interest.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/media-accountability-the-fcc-and-the-fight-over-fox-a-conversation-with-al-sikes-and-preston,254569

When a city government uses the courts to silence a newspaper, it’s not just an attack on one publication—it’s an attack 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.

Access more (including actual censored editorial, Complaint and Restraining Order) at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/what-happens-when-a-city-silences-a-newspaper-an-inside-look-at-the-clarksdale-censorship-case,254442

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.

Access more at this episode’s landing page:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/post-and-couriers-strategic-print-shift-a-new-era-for-south-carolina-journalism,254302

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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/time-to-challenge-gag-rules-journalists-fight-back-against-restrictions-on-public-employees,254213

Local advertisers are drowning in a sea of digital choices, overwhelmed by ever-changing marketing trends and unsure where to invest their dollars. Yet, many media companies have abandoned one of the most effective ways to educate and engage them—advertiser workshops. In a recent E&P Reports interview, media sales expert Ryan Dohrn made a powerful case for why now is the time to bring them back. “Most advertisers don’t actually understand how marketing works today,” he explained. “If you’re not the one teaching them, someone else will be.” The takeaway? Local publishers must step up, lead the conversation, and reclaim their role as the trusted marketing experts in their communities.

Access more on this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/ryan-dohrn-on-selling-value-overcoming-price-objections-and-reviving-advertiser-workshops,254105

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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/dave-morgan-on-the-future-of-local-news-embracing-ai-social-video-and-a-startup-mindset,253972

As the local news industry continues to evolve, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a crucial part of its future. While challenges persist, opportunities for strategic growth and sustainability are expanding for both buyers and sellers.

In this discussion, Sara April, president of Dirks, Van Essen & April, and John Thomas Cribb, director of Cribb & Associates, share their insights into current trends in media valuations, the impact of digital transformation, and key strategies for those looking to buy or sell media organizations.

Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/navigating-media-mergers-trends-valuations-and-future-projections,253862

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.

Access more on this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/metas-fact-checking-shift-katie-sanders-on-whats-next-for-politifact-and-the-news-industry,253729

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 is proving 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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/building-momentum-into-2025-how-the-baltimore-banner-is-shaping-the-future-of-local-journalism,253616

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