In the generative AI space, primarily dominated by tech developers like OpenAI, Microsoft and Google, Perplexity.ai seeks distinction. E&P spoke with the company’s chief business officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, in late July, a day after the company revealed its new Perplexity Publishers Program. more

There is growing angst in the news media community about how their products ­— the journalism they create, at no small expense — are being used to train the Generative AI Large Language Models (LLMs). They wonder whether copyright law will protect them, whether they should sue over copyright violations or agree to license and compensation terms offered by AI developers. E&P sought to understand these dilemmas better, so we asked news media publishers and advocates how they think these relationships will come to pass. more

In an era where the lines between truth and disinformation are increasingly blurred, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) has emerged as a non-partisan, all-volunteer organization that aims to ensure public information's integrity. Founded by individuals who believe that a healthy democracy relies on accurate and reliable journalism, MAD is actively working to hold media outlets accountable, combat disinformation and support local journalism. In this episode, we chat with Milo Vassallo, the executive director, and Brian Hansbury, one of the founders, as they shared insights into their mission and current initiatives.   more

When Alden Global Capital sold The Baltimore Sun to Sinclair Broadcasting Group’s David D. Smith and conservative radio host Armstrong Williams, concerns about the newspaper’s editorial independence quickly emerged. Those fears were realized in June when content from Sinclair’s Baltimore affiliate, Fox45, began appearing on the Sun’s website without clear attribution, raising alarm within the newsroom. The Baltimore Sun Guild responded by demanding transparency and editorial integrity, citing the potential erosion of trust among readers as Sinclair’s content, often criticized for its lack of nuance and journalistic rigor, started to infiltrate the Sun’s storied brand. Despite some concessions from the new owners, the Guild remains vigilant, stressing that the integrity of The Baltimore Sun’s journalism must not be compromised. more

Remember when we said more people use VR headsets in the U.S. than subscribe to a newspaper? That number will continue to grow in 2024 and beyond. It’s time to dive deeper into what that means for local media publishers. more

The enduring success of “The Dirty Dozen,” a film that captivated audiences at its 1967 Detroit debut, offers timeless lessons for media sales professionals today. Just as director Robert Aldrich prioritized authenticity over accolades, media sellers must focus on genuine value and results to win in a competitive landscape. With its cast of real-life war heroes and a commitment to gritty realism, “The Dirty Dozen” reminds us that in both film and sales, true success comes from dedication, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to the mission—whether it’s winning on the battlefield or closing the deal. more

With more community newspapers — often weeklies — closing their doors, the publications still surviving are seeking the secret sauce/winning formula to sustain themselves financially and continue to serve their communities. Although there isn’t a universal formula, a recent study co-sponsored by the New Jersey Press Association and the Corporation of New Jersey Local Media revealed the characteristics of successful community newspapers. more

Sam Hoisington is a 20-something news entrepreneur who founded Madison (Wisconsin) Minutes in late 2020 and transformed a humble email newsletter into a daily newsletter with 20,000 subscribers. After selling the Madison Minutes in 2023, he returned to his hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas, and launched The Bentonville Bulletin. more

More than 100 reporters, photographers, editors and digital producers in Connecticut’s largest newsroom unionized and formed the Connecticut News Guild. The staff of Hearst Connecticut Media Group went public with about 85% of the workers signing union cards. more

Wick Communications, is at a pivotal juncture in its nearly century-long journey. As the landscape of media continues to evolve rapidly, Wick Communications is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide the company through its next chapter of growth and transformation. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned executive with a deep understanding of media operations, digital media, and business development to make a significant impact on the company's future. more

The massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, left an indelible mark on the community, claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The event shocked the nation and profoundly impacted the small city of Uvalde and its local newspaper, the Uvalde Leader-News. Craig Garnett, owner and publisher of the paper, shared his experiences during this harrowing time, discussed the challenges and transformations that followed and spoke about the experience of having his team featured in the new ABC News documentary “Print It Black.” more

Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism (FORJournalism) was organized three years ago to help rural newspapers remain viable. Among its priorities is training young people — some still in high school — the tenets of journalism and journalism literacy and funding paid internships so a new generation of journalists can chip in at small rural newspapers that need help. more

I’ve been beating the drum among public media leaders for over a year: You need to understand what’s happening with Press Forward, the $500 million effort to remake local news. So it was heartening — and frustrating — to see dozens of public media leaders show up when three Press Forward leaders appeared at a webinar presented by the consultancy Public Media Company and Current in early July. more

On May 24, 2022, nineteen children and two educators were killed when a single shooter opened fire at Robb Elementary in the small town of Uvalde, Texas. No local newsroom can ever fully be prepared to tell the story of a community brought to its knees by a mass murder. Uvalde Leader-News Owner-Publisher Craig Garnett was approached by ABC News about allowing a documentary film team into their lives. “Print It Black” refers to how the newsroom handled the following day’s 1A page. more

Runners from across the United States competing in the 32-mile annual Bighorn Trail Run wind their way up a steep hill in the Bighorn Mountains near Dayton, Wyoming, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. more

Topline findings from the January 2024 Pew Research Center survey and report, “Americans’ Changing Relationship with Local News,” reveal some challenging trends for local news outlets. more

This was seriously a no-win situation for everyone involved. The NABJ caused a large rift in their membership — with some members calling for a new association — and did nothing to help its female members feel safe and supported. Former president Trump may think he “crushed it,” but I doubt highly that he gained any followers today — and probably gave the Harris campaign some great clips for future ads. more

E&P columnist Doug Phares has built a record of success throughout his career by sticking to the playbook. He says: "That didn’t mean just following it myself — it also meant making sure that my team knew the playbook and knew how to use it. There are times and places to be innovative or creative and make big, sweeping changes. But when it comes right down to it, almost any business’ core operations can be written down in a playbook and followed." more

At the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC), students are drawn to the diverse educational opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in various media fields. Whether it’s sports journalism, television storytelling, or multiple career paths, UFCJC offers immersive experiences that are central to attracting students. This institution not only tailors its programs to meet professional aspirations but also equips students to step into the media world ready to make an impact, thanks to its hands-on learning environments and comprehensive curriculum. more