In an era when hedge funds are gutting local newspapers and trust in the media is under siege, Lansing’s fiercely independent City Pulse has found a surprising new lifeline — not in corporate consolidation, but in mission-driven philanthropy. The paper’s founder, Berl Schwartz, turned down multiple offers before striking a deal with the Michigan Independent Media Group, led by civic engagement leader Dr. Jason Franklin. Their partnership isn’t just a transaction; it’s a bold experiment in saving local journalism with values at the center and sustainability in sight. more

What happens when a local newspaper and a craft brewery join forces? In Spokane, Washington, it results in the First Amendment beer — a bold collaboration between The Spokesman-Review and No-Li Brewhouse that's as much about community as it is about hops. In this episode, we crack open the surprising story behind the beer making headlines and the mission to protect local journalism. It’s a blueprint for sustainability with authentic flavor — and one you’ll want to sip on. more

When tragedy struck Coeur d’Alene, the local newsroom didn’t flinch — they mobilized. Within hours, the Press team defied routine, printed on an off day, and delivered vital information to a grieving community. Their leadership didn’t just report the news — they helped shape how the town processed its heartbreak. In this episode, Clint Schroeder and Bill Buley reveal how local journalism rose to the moment when it mattered most. more

Adams Publishing Group is stepping into a new era with a name that reflects its ambition: Adams MultiMedia. As local news organizations everywhere wrestle with disruption, Adams is betting that combining deep community roots with expanded digital services is the path to growth. The rebrand signals more than a cosmetic change—it’s a strategy to stay relevant to audiences and advertisers in a media landscape that never stops evolving. This move offers a glimpse into how a large, family-owned publisher plans to thrive when so many others are struggling to survive. more

Pason Gaddis thinks local newspapers don’t have to fade quietly into history. As CEO of Hoffman Media Group, he’s betting that lean operations, local control, and a focus on original reporting can rebuild trust—and profitability—where others have given up. “You have to change or you have to die,” Gaddis said, urging publishers to break free from outdated models. His approach is proving that if you invest in community journalism, audiences will still show up—and pay for it. more

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw isn’t chasing trends—he’s doubling down on what works: local content, real relationships, and a service-first sales strategy. In a no-nonsense conversation, Warshaw explains why legacy media still has power when it’s community-rooted and advertiser-driven. With digital and radio sales integrated under one roof, he’s building not just reach, but results. “Local, baby,” is still his mantra—and it’s paying off. If you’re in media and missing this mindset, you’re leaving money (and trust) on the table more

When a suburban newspaper starts thinking like a startup, big things happen. At Current Publishing in suburban Indianapolis, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s fueling real growth, younger audiences, and serious digital revenue. From influencer-driven reels to a text-based edition with 65% engagement, President/ Publisher Ben Weir is proving hyperlocal doesn’t mean old-school. Here’s how one free weekly is rewriting the playbook for local news success. more

Four years ago, Max Kabat left Manhattan to reinvent local journalism in the remote West Texas town of Marfa. He didn’t just take over a newspaper—he built a café, bar, event space, and community hub to fund it. Now, that bold experiment is not only thriving but inspiring others to rethink what local media can be. We caught up with Kabat to find out how it’s working, what’s next, and what lessons other publishers can take from the journey. more

What if local media companies stopped acting like publishers and started thinking like SaaS platforms? That’s the provocative challenge laid down by veteran digital strategist Todd Handy in a recent episode of E&P Reports. Drawing from decades in media, tech and recurring revenue models, Handy believes the path to sustainability lies in ditching short-term campaigns and embracing lifetime customer value. His message to news leaders: the future of publishing won’t look like a newsroom — it will look like a software company. more

Local media isn’t just struggling — it’s at a tipping point, and most companies are leaning the wrong way. In a brutally candid conversation, Gordon Borrell explained why 85% of local outlets are capturing less than 10% of their digital ad potential and why newspapers, particularly, have seen zero digital revenue growth since 2020. He called out broken sales cultures, invisible new businesses and the dangerous illusion that hard paywalls are a sustainable fix. If you’re in news publishing and not reading this, you’re missing your wake-up call — and possibly your last chance to pivot. more

With legislative threats mounting at the state level, America’s Newspapers (AN) has launched a new coalition to unite press associations and publishers in defense of local journalism. In a recent E&P Reports episode, CEO Dean Ridings was joined by Alan Fisco, president of The Seattle Times and AN board member, and Debbie Anselm, the new executive director of the Iowa Newspaper Association, to unpack the coalition’s goals. Together, they made the case for why statehouse advocacy is no longer optional — and how a collective voice can drive meaningful policy change. more

After helping hundreds of publishers navigate digital transformation, Charity Huff decided to walk the walk — by acquiring Denver’s 5280 Magazine. Just four months in, she’s proving legacy brands can thrive with a modern strategy rooted in audience, authenticity and innovation. From rethinking revenue to doubling down on events and email, Huff is blending bold ideas with respect for tradition. Her mission: to build a community-first, future-ready media company — and show others it can be done. more

At a time when trust in journalism continues to erode, the future of opinion content is under intense scrutiny. Should newspapers continue publishing unsigned editorials and political endorsements, or is it time to rethink the role of opinion altogether? That was the focus of a live panel at the 2025 America’s Newspapers’ Mega-Conference, where hundreds of news executives gathered for this live panel discussion, to share strategies, struggles and shifting audience expectations. A candid, sometimes surprising conversation emerged about how opinion journalism must evolve — or risk becoming irrelevant. more

Press freedom is under attack — not in some distant land, but right here in the United States. From newsroom intimidation to funding cuts targeting public media, the threats are multiplying while public awareness remains dangerously low. In this powerful episode of E&P Reports, three key voices behind the Press Freedom United initiative expose the scope of the crisis — and what every publisher, journalist, and citizen can do about it. Sally Lehrman (The Trust Project), Anh-Thu Vo (PEN America), and Daniel Williams (BlueLena) don’t just ring the alarm — they offer a blueprint for action. If you care about the future of journalism in this country, this conversation is essential listening. more

If you’ve ever marveled at a Linotype machine or debated whether Helvetica is overused, you’ve likely felt Frank Romano’s influence—even if you didn’t know it. As the founder of the Museum of Printing and author of nearly 80 books, Romano has spent a lifetime preserving the stories, machines, and ideas that shaped the modern media landscape. From brass matrices to PageMaker, he’s witnessed every disruptive shift in how we communicate. And through it all, he’s championed one unwavering belief: print is immortal. more

From coast to coast, a wave of new laws is quietly rewriting the rules of news publishing. Subscription models are under fire, state-level taxation schemes are threatening ad revenues, and postal costs are climbing at unsustainable rates. The chaos isn’t coming — it’s already here. But while most publishers are focused on survival, the News/Media Alliance is walking the halls of Congress and state capitols, fighting back on your behalf. In this exclusive interview, Vice Presidents Holly Lubart and Emily Emery reveal what's really happening behind closed doors and what every publisher needs to know now. more

When an explosive leak hit The Atlantic, Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg faced a moment of truth. Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis weighs in on how Goldberg handled the saga, grading his response and breaking down what it means for newsroom ethics. Did Goldberg make the right call—or fall into a trap? Plus, Jarvis shares critical lessons for every journalist navigating today’s chaotic media landscape. more

Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government-funded international broadcaster, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Journalists have been cut off from their newsrooms—emails shut down, phones disconnected, and no way to reach editors—leaving many in a state of uncertainty. Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for VOA, finds himself among more than 1,300 colleagues placed on excused absence. As the shutdown stretches on, audiences once served by VOA’s trusted reporting are turning elsewhere, raising questions about the future of one of America’s most enduring journalistic institutions. more

As tensions rise between the United States and Canada over tariffs, newspapers on both sides of the border are feeling the strain. Paul Deegan, CEO of News Media Canada, joined E&P Reports to discuss how the trade war is affecting the news industry, the broader economic implications, and the efforts being made to restore balance in a historically strong relationship. more

For decades, journalists have been judged by their reporting and how they look and sound, often conforming to rigid, unspoken industry standards. But as news delivery shifts to digital platforms, podcasting and AI-driven content, those norms are being challenged like never before. In “Performing the News,” Elia Powers reveals how journalists — especially those from marginalized backgrounds — navigate the pressures of self-presentation and fight for authenticity in an evolving media landscape. Are the days of the “perfect broadcast voice” and “polished TV anchor look” finally over? more