E&P Reports with Mike Blinder

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.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/newsrooms-know-what-they-need-to-do-why-arent-they-doing-it,262126

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.

Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/ai-wont-save-bad-salespeople-ryan-dohrn-on-the-future-of-media-revenue,262011

The future of local journalism is increasingly being shaped by two fundamental questions: Who should pay for it, and what should it produce?

Those questions were at the center this conversation between E&P Publisher Mike Blinder and media critic, author and journalism educator Jeff Jarvis. The discussion grew out of two recent E&P Reports episodes that sparked debate beyond E&P's audience: an interview with Rebuild Local News founder Steven Waldman about public policy funding for journalism that drew a response from The Wall Street Journal, and a New York Press Association panel on newsroom cadence, AI and audience expectations that prompted a published rebuttal from publisher Christian Hendricks.

Together, the debates raised larger questions about journalism's future, sustainability and purpose—questions Jarvis was eager to tackle.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/jeff-jarvis-challenges-conventional-wisdom-on-public-policy-funding-ai-and-audience-growth,261858

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.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/tens-of-millions-flow-into-local-news-as-public-policy-becomes-journalisms-fourth-leg,261799

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 a recent E&P Reports interview, 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.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/why-usa-today-created-a-newspaper-march-for-americas-250th,261672

For years, the local news industry has searched for a sustainable business model while navigating shrinking legacy revenues, rising costs and growing uncertainty. A new report, Meeting the Revenue Challenge: Philanthropy's Role in Local News Growth, examines how nonprofit local news organizations are attempting to build long-term durability through diversified revenue strategies and stronger community relationships.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/inside-the-search-for-a-sustainable-local-news-model-a-new-report-reveals-whats-actually,261560

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."

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/journalism-at-a-crossroads-a-new-declaration-aims-to-rebuild-trust-in-the-news,261320

E&P Reports went on the road as Mike Blinder hosted a live panel at the New York Press Association'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?

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/what-audiences-want-vs-what-they-need-ep-reports-goes-on-the-road-to-confront-journalisms,261318

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.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/inside-the-pittsburgh-post-gazette-turnaround-what-its-new-owners-plan-next,261214

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.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/borrell-why-local-media-advertising-got-harder-to-sell,261030