Axios Local's Holly Moore on newsletters, networks, AI and the ‘Whole Buffalo’

In the fifth episode of the State of Local News Podcast, host Tim Franklin — professor, John M. Mutz Chair in Local News, and founding director of the Medill Local News Initiative — speaks with Holly Moore, executive editor of Axios Local.

Moore joins Tim Franklin on the State of Local News Podcast to discuss Axios Local’s evolution from a single acquired newsletter in Charlotte to a rapidly expanding local news network serving 37 markets across the United States, with plans to reach 43 by the end of the year. She explains the company’s newsletter-first strategy, its efforts to build sustainable local news businesses in both metropolitan and suburban communities and the advantages of operating as a network organization with centralized technology, audience development and business support.

The conversation also explores Axios Local’s editorial philosophy of “smart brevity,” the importance of community connection and reporter autonomy, the growing role of newsletters in local journalism, and how AI can help journalists spend less time on production and administrative tasks and more time reporting, engaging audiences and serving their communities.

This Q&A transcript captures their conversation about local news innovation, newsletter strategies, newsroom growth, AI and the future of sustainable local journalism. It has been edited for brevity and clarity.

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