E&P Reports with Mike Blinder

From coast to coast, a wave of new laws is quietly rewriting the rules of news publishing. Subscription models are under fire, ad revenues are being threatened by state-level taxation schemes, and postal costs are climbing at unsustainable rates. The chaos isn't coming—it's already here. But while most publishers are focused on survival, the News/Media Alliance is walking the halls of Congress and state capitols, fighting back on your behalf. In this exclusive interview, VPs Holly Lubart and Emily Emery reveal what's really happening behind closed doors—and what every publisher needs to know now.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/ad-taxes-subscription-laws-postal-chaos-inside-the-news-media-alliances-fight-to-protect,255159

When an explosive leak hit The Atlantic, Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg faced a moment of truth. Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis weighs in on how Goldberg handled the saga, grading his response and breaking down what it means for newsroom ethics. Did Goldberg make the right call—or fall into a trap? Plus, Jarvis shares critical lessons for every journalist navigating today's chaotic media landscape.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/prof-jeff-jarvis-grades-jeffrey-goldberg-on-signalgate,255022

Voice of America (VOA),, the U.S. government-funded international broadcaster, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Journalists have been cut off from their newsrooms—emails shut down, phones disconnected, and no way to reach editors—leaving many in a state of uncertainty. Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for VOA, finds himself among more than 1,300 colleagues placed on excused absence. While Herman was singled out under an executive order deeming him potentially disloyal to the president's foreign policy, his colleagues' suspensions were not linked to any alleged wrongdoing. As the shutdown stretches on, audiences once served by VOA's trusted reporting are turning elsewhere, raising questions about the future of one of America's most enduring journalistic institutions.

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

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/voice-of-america-turmoil-through-the-eyes-of-veteran-voa-journalist-steve-herman,254884

As tensions rise between the United States and Canada over tariffs, newspapers on both sides of the border are feeling the strain. Paul Deegan, CEO of News Media Canada, joined E&P Reports to discuss how the trade war is affecting the news industry, the broader economic implications, and the efforts being made to restore balance in a historically strong relationship.

Access more on this episodes landing page, at:

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/paul-deegan-trade-war-threatens-survival-of-local-media-on-both-sides-of-the-border,254777

For decades, journalists have been judged by their reporting and how they look and sound, often conforming to rigid, unspoken industry standards. But as news delivery shifts to digital platforms, podcasting and AI-driven content, those norms are being challenged like never before. In "Performing the News," Elia Powers reveals how journalists — especially those from marginalized backgrounds — navigate the pressures of self-presentation and fight for authenticity in an evolving media landscape. Are the days of the "perfect broadcast voice" and "polished TV anchor look" finally over?

Access more at this episode's landing page; https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/examining-self-presentation-in-journalism-elia-powers-on-authenticity-and-industry-norms,254684

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