Local News Matters

Karen Rundlet, CEO and executive director of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), discusses the increasing importance of philanthropy in sustaining local journalism. She shares insights from her time at Knight Foundation, where she helped launch initiatives like NewsMatch and Press Forward, and explores how nonprofit newsrooms can diversify revenue streams to build sustainable operations. Rundlet emphasizes that supporting an informed public, not just journalism, is critical in today’s landscape.

She also highlights the role of local news in fostering community connection, touching on how INN members are covering vital issues like municipal government, education and culture. Rundlet discusses the importance of engaging local funders and ensuring that newsrooms help solve community problems by being transparent, impactful and connected.

Rundlet reflects on the future of local news, from addressing news avoidance to ensuring transparency in funding. She explores how organizations can focus on accountability, co-design content with their communities and maintain mental health and sustainability for both leaders and journalists.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:21) - Reflections on Knight Foundation, NewsMatch and fundraising in local news

(00:11:30) - Engaging local funders and the role of local news in community building

(00:16:51) - It’s not “save journalism.” Save an informed public.

(00:25:31) - The role of support organizations in strengthening news ecosystems

(00:30:14) - Operating support, transparency and other issues in funding

(00:36:17) - Addressing news avoidance and making news useful

(00:38:57) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:50:33) - Media and local recommendations

• Karen Rundlet: Linkedln,Twitter/X

• Institute for Nonprofit News

• Mentioned

• Knight Foundation 

• NewsMatch

• Press Forward

• Miami Herald

• WNBC

• WLRN 

• ProPublica

• PBS NewsHour

• Hechinger Report

• Ben Thompson

• Earn Your Press Pass

• New Mexico In Depth

• Local recommendations

• Pérez Art Museum Miami

• B & M Market

• Cuban coffee

• Media recommendations

• If I Survive You by Jonathan Ostroffery 

• Ten Percent Happier podcast by Dan Harris

• The Daily

• Political Miami

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jim Brady (Knight Foundation), Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shapiro (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun). 

Jim Brady, vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation, shares his insights into the current state of local journalism and the quest for sustainability. He discusses Press Forward, a $500 million-plus national initiative aimed at supporting local news. Drawing on his extensive experience in digital media, Jim reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing local news outlets today, with an optimistic view of how new technologies and business models can help them thrive.

He also emphasizes the role of philanthropy in creating a stronger, more resilient local news ecosystem. From increasing audience engagement to reducing operational costs, Jim explores how local journalism can adapt to the evolving media landscape. He also touches on the importance of rebuilding trust with audiences and the need to reconnect local news with community needs.

Throughout the conversation, Jim highlights how local news plays a vital role in a functioning democracy, advocating for a collective effort to ensure its future. Whether through innovative startups or legacy media adapting to new realities, the future of local journalism hinges on collaboration and creativity.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:23) - The state of local news: Challenges and progress

(00:09:33) - Building infrastructure for local news sustainability

(00:15:31) - The “huddling for warmth” phase of journalism

(00:25:53) - Press Forward’s national effort to save local news

(00:31:10) - Public awareness of the local news crisis

(00:34:10) - Adapting to the new reality

(00:37:16) - Hopes for a transformed news ecosystem

(00:48:03) - Trust, bubbles, and journalism’s future

(00:58:07) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:05:47) - Media and local recommendations

• Jim Brady: Linkedln,Twitter/X

• Knight Foundation

• Mentioned

• Press Forward

• The Washington Post

• AOL

• ESPN 

• Seattle Times

• News Revenue Hub

• Billy Penn

• Newspack

• WordPress

• Indie Graf

• Tiny News Collective

• Jennifer Preston

• American Journalism Project

• Report for America

• Institute for Nonprofit News

• LION Publishers

• Kansas City Defender

• Big Bets by Raj Shah

• Gates Foundation

• USAID

• Rockefeller Foundation

• KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)

• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

• Documenters

• Salt Lake Tribune

• The Daily Memphian

• The Baltimore Banner

• LMA (Local Media Association)

• Bloom Lab

• Local recommendations

• El Carajo

• Joe’s Stone Crab

• Coconut Grove

• Coral Gables

• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

• Miami Beach

• Wynwood

• Media recommendations

• 12 Angry Men (1957)

• Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch

• Moving Pictures by Rush

• The Silence of the Lambs (book) by Thomas Harris

• Annie (musical)

• Annie (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Candice Fortman (Exit interview, Outlier Media), Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun). 

Candice Fortman, former executive director of Outlier Media, shares her journey transforming local journalism in Detroit. She reflects on the innovative service journalism model she helped build, which focuses on filling critical information gaps for underserved communities. Candice discusses how Outlier evolved from a scrappy startup into a well-respected newsroom known for directly addressing residents’ needs through text messaging and other community-centered approaches.

Candice offers insights into the challenges of scaling and funding local journalism, particularly in economically struggling areas like Detroit. She also reflects on her leadership growth, her partnership with Outlier’s founder Sarah Alvarez, and how they navigated the impact of COVID-19 on local news. Looking ahead, Candice talks about her excitement for new opportunities and her commitment to telling stories that matter to local communities.

Listeners will find inspiration in Candice’s vision of journalism as a public good and her advice for newsrooms that want to make a lasting impact through deep community engagement.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:30) - The mission and model of Outlier Media

(00:07:26) - Scaling and evolving Outlier Media’s operations

(00:11:34) - Fundraising challenges and merging with MuckRock

(00:14:51) - COVID-19, text messaging and refocusing on local information needs

(00:23:21) - Journalism as a public good

(00:27:57) - Candice’s leadership journey and growth

(00:35:32) - Growing up Black in Detroit

(00:43:13) - Fundraising advice and community impact

(00:49:22) - Rapid-fire questions

(00:57:26) - Media and local recommendations

• Candice Fortman: Linkedln,Twitter/X

• Outlier Media

• JSK Fellowships at Stanford University

• Mentioned

• Sarah Alvarez

• City Bureau

• Documenters

• MuckRock

• Jay Hamilton

• Conecta Arizona

• Baltimore Beat

• WDET

• Michigan Public Radio

• Oaklandside

• MLK50

• Local recommendations

• Riverwalk (Detroit)

• Source Booksellers

• Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

• Eastern Market

• Motor City Wine

• Cutter’s Bar and Grill

• Media recommendations

• She Has A Name podcast by Tonya Mosley

• “The Nonprofit Hospital That Makes Millions, Owns a Collection Agency and Relentlessly Sues the Poor” by Wendi Thomas (MLK50/ProPublica)

• Renaissance by Beyonce

• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

• Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jean Friedman-Rudovsky (Resolve Philly), Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun). 

Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, executive director of Resolve Philly, delves into the evolution of the nonprofit newsroom and its mission to address the information needs of underserved communities in Philadelphia. She discusses the critical role of equity in journalism, sharing how Resolve Philly has integrated this principle into both its internal practices and editorial work. Jean also highlights the power of collaboration in local news, offering insights into how Resolve Philly has effectively partnered with other newsrooms to tackle issues like reentry and poverty.

Additionally, Jean explores the importance of community engagement and participatory journalism, describing how Resolve Philly involves residents in the news creation process. She provides practical advice for newsrooms looking to incorporate these elements, even with limited resources. Jean also touches on the strategic decisions behind funding, emphasizing the need for diverse revenue streams and the importance of avoiding competition with partner newsrooms. 

Episode chapters:

(00:02:19) - The mission and founding of Resolve Philly

(00:06:51) - The evolution and trajectory of Resolve Philly

(00:12:14) - Embedding equity in journalism and its challenges

(00:17:40) - Moving forward with equity despite national polarization

(00:22:40) - Implementing community participatory journalism

(00:28:57) - Designing a newsroom for the future of local news

(00:32:44) - Challenges and strategies in collaboration

(00:39:44) - Seven lessons in collaboration

(00:49:00) - The Philadelphia local news ecosystem

(00:59:09) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:06:35) - Media and local recommendations

• Jean Friedman-Rudovsky: Linkedln, Twitter/X

• Resolve Philly

• Mentioned

• Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative 

• Solutions Journalism Network

• Jane Von Bergen

• The Inquirer

• Center For Cooperative Media

• Broke in Philly

• City Bureau

• Outlier Media

• Cassie Haines

• Derrick Cain

• Becka Gorelick

• Nieman Lab prediction

• The Maynard Institute

• Temple University

• Knight Foundation cities

• Lenfest Institute for Journalism

• Billy Penn

• Philabundance

• Lee Whack

• Local recommendations

• Wissahickon

• Reading Terminal Market

• Old City District

• Germantown

• Media recommendations

• Connect by David Bradford and Carole Robin

• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

• Manhunt (Apple TV series)

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Jay Rosen (NYU), Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun). 

Jay Rosen, a prominent media theorist and professor of journalism at New York University, discusses the critical role of local election coverage and the Citizens Agenda model as an alternative to the traditional horse race approach. He emphasizes the need for local journalists to ground election coverage in the concerns of their communities, addressing local issues and fostering a sense of reality in election news.

Rosen also explores the polarization in American politics and the unique challenges faced by local newsrooms in this environment. He advocates for a more engaged and rigorous approach to local election coverage, including thorough background research and the creation of valuable voter guides. He shares his thoughts on the role of opinion pages and endorsements in local newspapers and their impact on public trust.

Additionally, Rosen reflects on the economics of local news, highlighting various subsidy models such as advertising, memberships, and philanthropic support. He underscores the importance of citizen journalism and the evolving role of community involvement in sustaining local journalism. The discussion also delves into the enduring relevance of Neil Postman’s media theories in the internet age and the potential pathways for the future of journalism.

(00:02:55) - Election coverage and the Citizens Agenda

(00:08:33) - The importance of local election coverage

(00:14:07) - Polarization in politics and the role of local journalism

(00:19:10) - Table stakes for local election coverage

(00:22:49) - Opinion pages and endorsements in local newspapers

(00:25:56) - How the national press is handling the 2024 election

(00:33:21) - Defending democracy without inviting accusations of partisanship

(00:38:02) - The economics of local news

(00:47:38) - The role of citizen journalism

(00:52:37) - Neil Postman’s media theories in the Internet age

(01:01:40) - Signs of hope

(01:07:53) - Media recommendations

• Jay Rosen: Linkedln, Twitter/X

• PressThink

• New York University

• Mentioned

• Membership Puzzle Project

• First Look Media

• Texas Tribune

• Press Forward

• Neil Postman

• Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

• Technopoly by Neil Postman

• Local / media recommendations:

• New York Times Innovation Report

• Beyond Objectivity: Producing Trustworthy News in Today's Newsrooms

• Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Sue Cross (Exit interview, INN), Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun). 

Sue Cross, the recently retired executive director of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), shares her insights on the remarkable growth and impact of nonprofit news. She highlights the evolving landscape of newsroom founders, the crucial role of community support, and strategies to maintain journalistic independence from funders.

Cross also addresses the challenges of scaling and funding newsrooms in underserved communities, the necessity for national news to be informed by local stories, and the complexities involved in converting from for-profit to nonprofit models. Her reflections offer valuable insights into sustaining local journalism and fostering innovation within the nonprofit sector.

Episode chapters:

(00:02:47) - Growth of INN and nonprofit news

(00:07:21) - The evolving profile of newsroom founders

(00:10:56) - Community relationships and support for newsrooms

(00:15:06) - Maintaining journalistic independence from funders

(00:18:25) - The challenges of scale and funding for underserved communities

(00:23:14) - Unique challenges facing nonprofit newsrooms

(00:27:34) - The need for national news to be informed by local news

(00:34:23) - Converting from a for-profit to a nonprofit newsroom

(00:45:22) - Career trajectory and evolution as a leader

(00:53:04) - Advice for support organizations

(00:56:10) - Rapid-fire questions

(01:03:15) - Local recommendations (Los Angeles)

• Sue Cross: Linkedln, Twitter/X

• INN

• Mentioned

• Range by David Epstein

• MLK 50

• NewsMatch

• LION

• Press Forward

• Block Club Chicago

• ProPublica

• Mother Jones

• Grist

• Salt Lake City Tribune

• Lawyers for Reporters

• Davis Wright Tremaine

• TrustLaw

• Justworks

• Local / media recommendations:

• East Sider

• LA Taco

• LA Public Press

• Witness LA

• Afro LA

• Tacos Delta

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Pirate Audio

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Mary Margaret White (Mississippi Today), Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

Mary Margaret White, CEO and executive director of Mississippi Today, discusses her journey in helping readers and philanthropy understand the value of journalism as a civic good. She shares insights on the history and growth of Mississippi Today, which launched in 2016 to fill a need for Capitol reporting and has since expanded to cover a wide range of issues, including health, justice, education and climate. Under her leadership, Mississippi Today won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting and was a finalist in 2024 for an investigative collaboration with the New York Times.

White delves into the lessons learned in raising philanthropic dollars, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in fundraising and the necessity of maintaining editorial independence despite donor influences. She also highlights the need for diverse funding streams, including memberships and earned revenue, to ensure the sustainability of nonprofit newsrooms.

She also discusses the operational and legal challenges of investigative journalism and the need to balance deep dives with daily reporting. White reflects on her career in public service and how her previous roles have shaped her approach to journalism at Mississippi Today.

Episode chapters:(00:02:57) - History and growth of Mississippi Today(00:07:30) - Lessons in raising philanthropic dollars(00:12:48) - Maintaining editorial independence(00:16:21) - Diversity of funding and revenue strategies(00:19:35) - Audience engagement and growth(00:24:30) - Balancing investigative and daily reporting(00:27:04) - Legal and operational challenges in investigative journalism(00:30:30) - Insights from the American Journalism Project(00:36:05) - From public service in government to public service in journalism(00:39:26) - Rapid-fire questions(00:47:29) - Media recommendations and local Mississippi highlights

• Mary Margaret White: Linkedln, Twitter/X 
• Mississippi Today

• Mentioned
  • Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University 
  • Center for the Study of Southern Culture
  • Online News Association’s Women’s Leadership Accelerator
  • Deep South Today
  • Knight Media Forum
  • American Journalism Project
  • Press Forward
  • Frank Mungeam episode
  • Sarabeth Berman episode
  • Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
  • Larry Ryckman episode
  • Central Mississippi Blues Society
  • Scripps Howard Foundation
  • The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center at USM
  • University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media
  • Mississippi Press Association

• Media recommendations:
  • Kurt Vile
  • Gulf States Newsroom
  • Thank You, Please Come Again by Kate Medley
• Local recommendations:
  • Hal and Mal's
  • Walter Anderson Museum of Art
  • Quapaw Canoe Company
• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Amy Kovac-Ashley (Tiny News Collective), Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

Amy Kovac-Ashley, the executive director of Tiny News Collective shares insights on how Tiny News Collective supports early-stage news founders, particularly those from traditionally excluded communities, by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community. 

The discussion covers the importance of diverse voices in local journalism, the challenges faced by local news startups, and the innovative ways they can engage with their audiences. Amy emphasizes the significance of understanding community needs and tailoring editorial and business strategies accordingly.

Key takeaways include the potential for local news to act as a community connector, the value of arts and culture coverage, and the need for sustainable support systems for small news organizations. Amy also highlights successful case studies, such as Future Tides and The Shout, and explores the role of new revenue opportunities in sustaining local journalism.

Episode chapters:

(02:36) - The mission of Tiny News Collective

(05:24) - Changing the face of local news

(07:43) - Arts and culture coverage as community connector

(16:43) - Building support systems for early-stage news founders

(27:03) - Tailoring support to individual needs

(31:39) - The challenges of early-stage founders

(43:19) - Scaling support

(45:46) - Criteria for joining Tiny News Collective

(48:15) - Rapid-fire questions

• Amy Kovac-Ashley: Linkedln, Twitter/X 

• The Tiny News Collective

• Mentioned

•  Cara Kuhlman and Future Tides

• Mazin Sidahmed and Documented

• Jiquanda Johnson and Flint Beat

• Nancy Flores and Austin Vida

• The Shout

• Project Optimist

• Duc Luu and Knight Foundation

• Aaron Pilofar

• Heather Bryant

• Tyler Fisher

• Claudia Amaro and Planeta Venus

• Jeff Jarvis

• Jay Rosen

• Wichita Foundation

• LION Publishers

• INN (Investigative News Network)

• New Mexico Local News Fund

• Documenters

• Journalism and Design program at The New School

• Recommendations:

• Comedy;

• Mike Birbiglia and Working It Out podcast

• WTF with  Marc Maron

• My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman

• John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.

• Trevor Noah stand up

• City Cast

• Northern Exposure and Northern Overexposure podcast

• The Hill Is Home

• The DC Line

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

In this episode, Michael Shapiro, founder and CEO of TAPinto, delves into his innovative franchise model for local news. He shares insights on how TAPinto helps local news publishers focus on local content and advertising by handling backend services like billing, technology and graphic design. Shapiro highlights success stories from various franchisees, discusses their new licensing option for non-franchisees, and explores the challenges and opportunities in local journalism. As newsrooms are spread thin and the industry increasingly looks to shared services models, TAPinto’s approach to providing services offers lessons well beyond their franchisees.

• Michael Shapiro: LinkedIn, Twitter/X

• TAPinto

• Mentioned

• Daily Targum

• Patch.com 

• Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), SPJ Code of Ethics

• Saint Bonaventure University’s TAPinto Greater Olean

• TAPinto the Breeze: Bridgewater and Raritan

• Halston Media News

• Local Media Association

• Recommendations:

• Variety of national media:

• Washington Post: washingtonpost.com

• CNN: cnn.com

• Fox: foxnews.com

• New York Times: nytimes.com

• Local news

• Master Chef

• Top Chef

• Dateline

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

Kenny Katzgrau, majority owner of redbankgreen and founder of Broadstreet, shares his vision for revitalizing community journalism. He discusses strategies to  help hyperlocal websites and small community weeklies thrive. 

Katzgrau’s approach involves enhancing advertising efficacy and community engagement through digital tools, advocating for news that not only informs but also engages and uplifts the community. He calls for a balance of serious journalism with elements of fun, suggesting that a vibrant local news outlet can profoundly impact its community by reflecting a broader, more inclusive view of news coverage.

Katzgrau provides very practical tips on making digital advertising work for local businesses and for long-term financial sustainability of news outlets.

Episode chapters:

(02:35) - From serving publishers to becoming one

(07:43) - Sustainable is not enough. How about prosperity?

(12:12) - Experimenting to serve advertisers

(15:47) - Recruiting the community to cover stories you can’t

(21:37) - The importance of fun in work

(24:54) - The importance of fun for readers

(28:32) - The business owner mindset vs. the reporter mindset

(31:12) - Advertising as telling the story of local businesses

(35:26) - Beyond CPM buy. Start with what you need.

(40:40) - Nurturing advertiser relationships and automating tasks

(44:08) - The Broadstreet ad manager platform

(49:11) - Rapid-fire questions

• Kenny Katzgrau: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Medium

• redbankgreen

• Broadstreet

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).