Michael Shapiro returns to the podcast to discuss the rapid evolution of TAPinto and the Hyperlocal News Network. In this update packed episode, Michael outlines the new features they've rolled out, including innovative tools for local businesses, political advocacy, and public entities.

Links:

Michael Shapiro - LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmshapiro/

TAPinto:

https://tapinto.net/

Hyperlocal News Network:

https://marketing.tapinto.net/hyperlocal-news-network

Interested in starting a TAPinto franchise?

https://marketing.tapinto.net/start-tapinto

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In this episode, Paul sits down with Audrey Blumberg, a veteran local journalist and publisher of The BReeze, The CHronicle, and franchisee of two TAPinto news sites in New Jersey. They discuss the operational side of running hyperlocal media outlets, the importance of boots on the ground journalism, and why Audrey's still bullish on print.

Links:

The BReeze

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan

The CHronicle

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/flemington-slash-raritan/

Audrey Blumberg - LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-blumberg-6b5922a/

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In this episode, Paul talks with Sarabeth Berman who shares her unexpected path from performing arts in China to leading a national movement to revitalize local news. She discusses how the American Journalism Project (AJP) is confronting the collapse of the traditional newspaper business model by investing in nonprofit newsrooms across the US.

Links:

American Journalism Project

https://www.theajp.org/

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Today Paul sits down with Justin Gordon, founder of The LA Grind, a rapidly growing local media and events company focused on LA's startup scene.

Justin shares the origin story of The LA Grind: how his background in venture capital, newsletters, and podcasting led him to launch a media meets events company for LA’s entrepreneurial community. Justin brings tons of value for local media startups as well as established local publications.

Links:

The LA Grind

Justin Gordon - LinkedIn

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In this episode, Paul chats with Joe Coughlin, co-founder and Editor in Chief of The Record North Shore, a nonprofit news outlet serving Chicago’s northern suburbs. Joe shares the journey from legacy local journalism at 22nd Century Media to launching an independent, community focused newsroom during the pandemic.

Links:

The Record North Shore

[email protected]

Joe Coughlin - X/Twitter

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In this episode, Paul sits down with Mike Gyi, founder of TownSpot, a hyperlocal events platform born from a passion for place making, social impact, and uncovering hidden gems in your own backyard. From his architecture roots to building tech with social purpose, Mike shares the story behind TownSpot: a digital calendar that aims to rewire how we engage with our communities.

Links:

Townspot.co

Mike Gyi - LinkedIn

Mike Gyi - Twitter/X

[email protected]

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Today on the show Paul Myers explains how Mineral King Publishing is confronting the crisis in local journalism by rethinking the business model. Traditional advertising and subscriptions no longer cut it and AI is both a threat and a tool. With Lantern AI, Paul aims to turn high value local reporting into products for businesses (like developers and entrepreneurs) who need timely, local insights.

Links:

Paul Myers - LinkedIn

Lantrn.ai

The Sun-Gazette

Mid Valley Times

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In this episode, Paul talks with TJ Larkin, the publisher behind Larkin Media and the creator of 14 hyperlocal newsletters (and counting). TJ shares his unexpected journey from a family insurance business to becoming a driving force in the revival of community driven media.

Inbox Famous⁠⁠

TJ Larkin - LinkedIn⁠⁠

TJ Larkin - X/Twitter⁠

⁠Local Newsletter Insider⁠⁠

Larkin Media⁠

⁠Leander Scoop⁠

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In this episode, Paul sits down with Ryan Heafy, COO and Co-Founder of 6AM City, one of the fastest growing local media companies in the U.S.

Ryan shares how his background in aerospace engineering and process driven thinking collided with traditional journalism to create a scalable, sustainable local news model. The conversation explores 6AM City's unique approach to content, how they’re leveraging AI for efficiency and expansion, and how 6AM is positioning itself for the future of news without relying on paywalls or nonprofit dollars.

Links:

Ryan Heafy - LinkedIn

6AM City

Behind the Newsletter Slack community

6AM City Newsletter Studio

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This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Today I'm airing an episode from another podcast that you may be interested in: The Journalism Salute hosted by Mark Simon.

Mark Simon - LinkedIn

Jai Smith - LinkedIn

Lehigh Daily

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This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, helping local news publishers produce revenue generating podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Subscribe to the Local News Industry Pulse newsletter to receive a weekly briefing of news, policy, trends, and more in the local news industry: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://localnewsindustrypulse.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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