In the past, local newspapers dominated the local news ecosystem with large teams creating the most content. However, today, newsroom size is not necessarily associated with making more money. Being profitable and raising money is a challenge, but carving out distinctive beats may be a path to financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.
The news media industry is often focused on the people in the spotlight, but the contributions of those behind the scenes are truly immeasurable. In newsrooms across the country, editors carry heavy responsibilities. They lead the newsroom, determine what stories should be told and challenge assertions with unwavering commitment to the public’s interest. Their insight, experience and leadership are indispensable and elevate journalism to new heights. Despite not being as celebrated as bylined reporters or columnists, their invaluable contributions cannot be overlooked. We hope you enjoy meeting this exemplary group of E&P’s 2024 Editors Extraordinaire.
As tensions over international conflicts boil, student journalists at prominent universities like Columbia, Arizona State, and Syracuse take to the front lines, documenting campus protests with fearless dedication. This E&P exclusive reporting captures the passion and complexity of today's youth activism amid a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil.
With the relaunch of The Tempe Tribune in early February of this year, Steve Strickbine, president of Times Media Group, continues his 25-year mission to rescue failing community newspapers, closed family newspapers and blooming news deserts. The Tempe Daily News ceased publication in 2009 after 122 consecutive years of serving the community. The Tempe Tribune delivers to over 20,000 readers every Sunday, and the digital edition emails to over 25,000 readers every Saturday evening.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving both a blessing and a bane for news publishers. On the one hand, generative AI technologies promise productivity gains for newsrooms when used responsibly and transparently. However, it also has the potential to create a minefield of misinformation for the public and for journalists to navigate.
When journalists are looking to improve their work, understand how to dig deeper into important topics, or discover new trends in journalism, there are many training options across the country. The National Press Club Journalism Institute provides many of the same types of professional training you’d see at other places. However, unlike many other institutions, the Journalism Institute dives into the person who does the work, not just the work itself.
What started as a plan to combat disinformation and fake news, The Legitimate Platform has become the app that works to support journalists. Legitimate started in January 2020 and is a one-stop shop for journalists to spread information quickly. Conceived by Caoimhe and Gerard Donnelly, it acts as a conduit, offering items such as three hours of transcription service with unlimited uploads and, using artificial intelligence, creating article outlines in its free version.
For the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, dabbling in new ideas is at the center of the organization’s identity as they have a new CEO and publisher at the helm. Whether the company is expanding into the greater Minnesota community, creating partnerships or investing in products, changes are happening in an effort to build on the paper's 157-year legacy.
Generating revenue remains a constant challenge. Some news outlets are reinventing special sections and editions, a traditional segment of most newspapers, to attract more readers and new and loyal advertisers. Here are four examples that publications and news outlets can adopt.
Over the past year, Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, president of the Society of Professional Journalists; LaSharah Bunting, CEO and executive director of the Online News Association; and Karen Rundlet, CEO and executive director of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), have stepped into the lead role at three of the most influential news associations, each as the first Black woman to hold the post. In interviews with E&P, they spoke about their new roles, how they got there and how they hope to advance their individual organizations and journalism writ large.
The 2024 class of 10 News Publishers That Do It Right is now E&P’s News Media’s 10 to Watch. They represent our industry with small-town publishers to large properties; monthly, weekly and daily publications; legacy print and digital publications; business, university and alternative publications — representing the breadth and depth of our industry. Each faced challenges and innovated to overcome them, and each has a story to tell — revenue, content, community service, engagement, business model or platform. We’re excited to highlight these 10 to Watch to give you energy and ideas.
Although media and journalism may seem to be endangered species, they are critical to revealing the truth, supporting democratic principles and creating more enlightened voters. In the many excellent collegiate media and journalism programs nationwide, the next generation is preparing to step forward to support those principles at Temple's Klein College of Media