In a significant development for the media landscape, the Kansas Reflector found itself entangled in a contentious dispute with Facebook. Sherman Smith, Editor-in-Chief of this States Newsroom affiliate, divulged the unfolding narrative during an exclusive conversation. It started innocuously with an editorial on climate change, triggering a sequence of events that underscored the complexities media outlets face in navigating digital platforms. more

Last summer, Vermont News & Media launched Green Mountain Vermont Cannabis News, a website and newsletter to inform the public about the state’s evolving cannabis laws and burgeoning economy. E&P spoke with President and Publisher Jordan Brechenser and Advertising and Marketing Specialist Ahmad Yassir about how the new brand is doing. more

Running a data-centered investigation can be intimidating for a small newsroom staff struggling to report the basics to their community. We could have written an entire magazine just about accessing public records, which is the basis of many data journalism projects. However, as you’ll read in our E&P cover story, there are resources out there that are explicitly directed toward smaller publications without specialized data talent. more

As the Press Forward initiative gathers momentum, I’m hearing a question from the heads of public broadcasting and nonprofit news organizations alike: “Do you know where I can find a grant writer?” My answer to them: “You don't need one.” Most of these folks think they need a gifted writer who can research lists of available grant programs, spin a compelling narrative about their organization’s worthiness...... more

On any given day, the American people can find coverage of the U.S. border with Mexico — in print, online and circulating on social media, TV and talk radio. Partisan media outlets and politicians alike often sensationalize the coverage. But to truly understand what’s unfolding there, as well as the challenges journalists face in reporting on the border, E&P went to the sources. more

In the 1980s, many cash-flush news organizations employed a public editor specifically to build and foster trust between readers and journalists. These days, just two news organizations in the United States — NPR and PBS — still appear to employ a public editor. So, is it time for more news organizations to consider hiring ombudspersons to help rebuild trust in the media — one community at a time? more

The January full moon, also known as the Wolf Moon, rises over the bison at Kendrick Park in Sheridan, Wyoming on Jan.24, 2024. more

Join us for this episode of 'E&P Reports' as we delve into The Chronicle of Philanthropy's groundbreaking initiative led by senior editor Drew Lindsay. Discover how their innovative online platform, 'The Commons,' is poised to tackle America's deep divides head-on. From political polarization to socio-economic disparities, explore how The Chronicle is fostering dialogue and understanding in an era of increasing division and uncertainty. more

News media publishers face dilemmas over social media policy today. There's a delicate balance between encouraging reporters to engage on social media — to extend journalism's reach — and avoiding pitfalls that undermine reporting. They're also grappling with respecting journalists' freedom of speech in an age when social media is integral to their professional and personal lives. more

In news media advertising, organizations often spend too much time analyzing rates and comparing them to similar-sized outlets. It’s important, but sometimes, focusing too much on rate hinders the ability to assess an opportunity directly. Before immediately delving into pricing considerations, it’s crucial first to identify opportunities aligned with your organization’s goals. more

Under the leadership of Dean Raul Reis, who took office in July 2022, the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina has significantly revised its curriculum, infusing courses that can assist students in excelling once they graduate — whether in journalism or other communication fields like advertising or public relations. more

Ten news organizations won up to $25,000 in grants to help convert print subscribers into digital customers, and those teams no doubt celebrated their good fortune. But from the standpoint of The Lenfest Institute, which reviewed more than 50 applications and handed out the grants, the program’s value is more about helping the news industry than providing one-time allowances to 10 deserving companies. more

In this episode of “E&P Reports” we chat with Laura Krantz McNeill who interviewed several news media executives, resulting in a published a study for the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. The study outlines a list of essential skills necessary to lead the newsrooms of tomorrow. more

There's a controversial scene in"The Wizard of Oz" where, after receiving a "brain" in the form of a diploma, the Scarecrow famously says: “The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles triangle is equal to the square root of the remaining side!”  Which know-it-alls have noted, is incorrect. That's a right triangle. In sales, there are two math formulas that Jeff Sleete holds as important, that he dusts off and brings out to share annually. Here is this year’s take ... more

AI is now powering an upheaval of the search economy that could devastate news publishers desperately needing good news. For the first time since it became the world’s largest search engine in 2000, Google’s dominance in the search market is facing a serious threat. One of the challengers, Perplexity, shoots back short, AI-generated responses to direct questions. Is it perfect? No. Is it pretty useful? Of course. But it comes at a terrible cost to publishers. more

As of January 2024, 1,177 pink slime sites have been identified across the United States, representing both sides of the political spectrum, with innocuous-sounding names, like The Main Street Sentinel and Metric Media. NewsGuard, which uses AI to help programmatic advertisers direct ads to reputable sites, warns that the number will rise as election season heats up. more

Most sales gurus agree that about 98% of all sales are not made on the first call. Sometimes the customer says “no.” That’s when the selling starts. If you can turn a no into a yes, you make the sale. There are a lot of reasons prospective advertisers say no. more

“We’re working hard to build The Times into a digital destination that’s resilient in the face of evolving economic pressures, business challenges, and the whims of the tech giants.” — New York Times Publisher and Chairman A.G. Sulzberger more

Attacks on free speech and expression — including the role of journalism and the people’s right to know in a free-thinking society — are constant, regardless of the swings of the political and cultural pendulums. Advocating for those rights and educating Americans to understand them better has been the mission of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression since its founding in 1999. more