Editor and Publisher Reports

Journalists have long faced obstacles in their pursuit of truth, but in recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: government-imposed gag rules that restrict public employees from speaking freely with the press. These restrictions, often enforced through public information offices or direct bans on communication, limit transparency and public accountability. In a recent episode of E&P Reports, Mike Blinder sat down with veteran Journalist Kathryn Foxhall and First Amendment Attorney Frank LoMonte to discuss the issue, its legal implications, and what journalists can do to push back. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/time-to-challenge-gag-rules-journalists-fight-back-against-restrictions-on-public-employees,254213  

Local advertisers are drowning in a sea of digital choices, overwhelmed by ever-changing marketing trends and unsure where to invest their dollars. Yet, many media companies have abandoned one of the most effective ways to educate and engage them—advertiser workshops. In a recent E&P Reports interview, media sales expert Ryan Dohrn made a powerful case for why now is the time to bring them back. “Most advertisers don’t actually understand how marketing works today,” he explained. “If you’re not the one teaching them, someone else will be.” The takeaway? Local publishers must step up, lead the conversation, and reclaim their role as the trusted marketing experts in their communities.   Access more on this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/ryan-dohrn-on-selling-value-overcoming-price-objections-and-reviving-advertiser-workshops,254105  

Dave Morgan, a digital media pioneer who helped shape the evolution of online advertising, offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing local news in this episode of E&P Reports. From the rise of AI and social video to the limitations of subscription models, Morgan shares why traditional revenue strategies are faltering and what publishers should focus on instead. He also explores how local news organizations can rethink their business models, embrace new advertising approaches and stay relevant in a rapidly shifting media landscape. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/dave-morgan-on-the-future-of-local-news-embracing-ai-social-video-and-a-startup-mindset,253972  

As the local news industry continues to evolve, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a crucial part of its future. While challenges persist, opportunities for strategic growth and sustainability are expanding for both buyers and sellers. In this discussion, Sara April, president of Dirks, Van Essen & April, and John Thomas Cribb, director of Cribb & Associates, share their insights into current trends in media valuations, the impact of digital transformation, and key strategies for those looking to buy or sell media organizations. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/navigating-media-mergers-trends-valuations-and-future-projections,253862    

Meta’s recent announcement to end its third-party fact-checking program by January 2025 has sent ripples through the media and fact-checking industries. To unpack the implications of this decision, Editor & Publisher Publisher Mike Blinder spoke with Katie Sanders, editor-in-chief of PolitiFact, a Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-checking organization under the Poynter Institute. Access more on this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/metas-fact-checking-shift-katie-sanders-on-whats-next-for-politifact-and-the-news-industry,253729  

  The Baltimore Banner, a nonprofit news organization, closed out 2024 with remarkable achievements, positioning itself as a model for sustainable local journalism in 2025. With 55,000 paid subscribers, a rapidly growing newsroom, and diversified revenue streams, the Banner is proving that innovation and community focus can drive success. Editor & Publisher (E&P) spoke with CEO Bob Cohn and Chief Revenue Officer Sharon Nevins to explore their strategies and vision for the year ahead. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/building-momentum-into-2025-how-the-baltimore-banner-is-shaping-the-future-of-local-journalism,253616

By blending investigative rigor with a commitment to public service, USA TODAY has once again showcased the impact of journalism. Editor-in-Chief Caren Bohan joined E&P Reports to discuss a remarkable story that began as a feel-good reunion and evolved into a layered investigation highlighting systemic issues and ethical complexities. Bohan shared insights on how the USA TODAY newsroom navigated the twists and turns of this compelling case while adhering to its mission of accountability journalism. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/public-service-journalism-at-its-best-how-usa-today-shined-a-light-on-a-complex-story,253418  

In his seventh appearance on E&P Reports, Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates, joined Mike Blinder to preview insights from his firm's latest advertiser survey and its implications for the media industry. Borrell Associates, widely regarded as a leading authority on local advertising trends, has released its fall 2024 survey, gathering data from over 1,100 advertisers and 122 agencies. The findings shed light on evolving advertiser preferences, challenges in media sales and strategies for 2025. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/gordon-borrell-discusses-key-insights-from-the-fall-2024-advertiser-study,253280  

In the heart of Galveston County, a unique initiative is revitalizing local businesses and community engagement through an overlooked form of currency — the $2 bill. The Galveston Daily News, under the leadership of Publisher Leonard Woolsey and spearheaded by Michelle Robinson, its chief revenue director, has rolled out the “$2 Shopping Challenge,” a program designed to encourage residents to spend locally while creating a buzz around community investment.   The campaign combines creativity, community spirit and economic strategy, fostering relationships between businesses and consumers while demonstrating the impact of shopping locally. The challenge has gained traction through partnerships with Moody Bank, local chambers of commerce and economic development corporations, offering a model for other regions to emulate. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/woolsey-and-robinson-on-why-local-spending-starts-with-a-2-bill,253179    

In a recent episode of E&P Reports, Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), shared his insights on the potential impact of a second Trump administration on press freedom. With over five decades of experience in journalism and media law, Osterreicher offered a candid and comprehensive perspective on the challenges facing the news industry and the steps needed to address them. Access more at this episode's landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/defending-press-freedom-in-uncertain-times-mickey-osterreicher-on-the-challenges-ahead,253122  

In a landmark case with significant implications for journalism and democracy, Emmerich Newspapers Inc., Helena World Chronicle and Boone Newspapers have joined forces in a class-action lawsuit against Google, challenging what they describe as an unfair “tying” relationship. Filed in December 2023, Helena World Chronicle LLC v. Google LLC alleges that Google’s control over search and content indexing is undermining publishers’ abilities to attract traffic and monetize content independently. In this interview, Wyatt Emmerich, president of Emmerich Newspapers, shared insights into the lawsuit’s motivations, the road ahead, and what’s at stake for the news industry. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/a-legal-stand-against-google-wyatt-emmerich-on-helena-world-v-google-and-the-battle-for,252901  

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, in partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, has introduced a $10 million AI Collaborative and Fellowship program to support innovation, sustainability, and new business models across five major U.S. metro newsrooms. Lenfest CEO Jim Friedlich, in a discussion on E&P Reports, highlighted how the initiative leverages AI for diverse newsroom applications, from business model optimization to increasing public data accessibility. The program aims to restore the depth of local reporting through AI-assisted research, enabling newsrooms to cover more ground with limited resources. Beyond the initial fellows, the program aspires to scale its impact, offering frameworks and tools for industry-wide adoption that reinforce the sustainability of journalism in an AI-driven future. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/inside-the-lenfest-openai-microsoft-partnership-one-on-one-with-jim-friedlich,252790  

In an era defined by an information deluge, rapidly advancing technology, and the decentralization of media, how society perceives news and journalism has become increasingly complex. Addressing this crucial issue, the Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI) has launched the “Defining News Initiative.” Amy S. Mitchell, CNTI’s founding Executive Director, recently joined E&P Reports to delve into the initiative’s insights and discuss the challenges facing journalism’s evolving definition. Access more on this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/exploring-the-boundaries-of-journalism-amy-s-mitchell-on-cntis-defining-news-initiative,252667  

Since its founding in 2017, Report for America (RFA) has supported nearly 400 local newsrooms across the United States, helping them collectively raise $30 million from local communities. Now, the nonprofit journalism initiative has launched an ambitious new pilot project — the Accelerator Program. The Accelerator Program is designed to further boost the sustainability of both for-profit and nonprofit local news organizations by diversifying their revenue streams and tapping into local philanthropic support. In this interview with Editor & Publisher’s Mike Blinder, Morgan Baum, director of Local News Sustainability at RFA, explained how this pilot project could serve as a game-changer for local news outlets struggling to remain financially viable. Access more on this episoodes landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-survival-to-sustainability-rfas-new-accelerator-program-helping-newsrooms-tap-into-new,252566  

  As the digital age reshapes the media landscape, local news publishers face a crucial challenge: staying relevant and profitable. At the heart of this challenge is the ability to deeply understand and engage with their audiences. Sammy Papert, President of Wormhole and sales representative for Coda Ventures, and Phillip Beswick, CEO of The Media Audit (TMA), recently shed light on how their audience studies are helping local news organizations thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Their research offers powerful insights into how consumers interact with local news platforms and why these insights are pivotal for media companies seeking to monetize their content. Access the studies along with more info on this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/unlocking-the-value-of-local-news-consumers-data-driven-strategies-for-media-growth,252467 

The National Newspaper Association (NNA) has long been a key advocate for rural newspapers, championing their importance as trusted sources of information in communities across the United States. In this episode of E&P Reports, Mike Blinder sat down with Martha Diaz Aszkenazy, the newly elected chair of the NNA, and Brett Wesner, the past chairman, to discuss the association’s recent collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the “Risk Less. Do More” campaign. This initiative, aimed at promoting public health messages about COVID-19, RSV, and the flu, is not only a public health victory but also a significant financial win for rural newspapers. By including these newspapers in their paid advertising strategy, HHS is injecting crucial revenue into these publications, helping to sustain their operations and support the communities they serve. This partnership underscores the vital role that local newspapers play in public health outreach while providing much-needed financial sup

In a unique interview, E&P Publisher Mike Blinder sat down with Version 1.2024.240 of ChatGPT, enhanced by Siri Voice 4, to explore the intersection of AI and journalism. The conversation tackled the critical issues facing the news industry today — from copyright and licensing to search traffic, newsroom integration and the future of journalism. Topics covered, include: Copyright and licensing: Navigating the legal and ethical landscape AI in newsrooms: Boosting efficiency without sacrificing integrity The future of AI’s impact on newsroom jobs: A collaborative or competitive landscape? More is available on this episode's page on the E&P Website, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/an-interview-with-chatgpt-how-ai-responds-to-tough-questions-about-its-impact-on-journalisms,252198

Josh Sweigart, editor of investigations and solutions journalism at Cox First Media Ohio, shares insights into the local media’s role in addressing misinformation. He focuses on how his newsroom at the Springfield News-Sun handled the recent surge of false claims about Haitian immigrants, amplified by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee and senator from Ohio, JD Vance. Access more at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/an-inside-look-into-the-newsroom-of-the-springfield-oh-news-sun,252094

In a media environment that is often dominated by narratives of decline, layoffs, and shrinking local news outlets, The Poynter Institute’s newly released report offers a refreshing perspective. Titled “OnPoynt — Values Rising: Trends and Traction in Journalism and the News Industry,” the study showcases optimism and innovation in journalism despite well-known challenges. In this recent interview, Neil Brown, President of Poynter, shared insights on the report and how local journalism is evolving in ways that provide significant value to communities. The conversation highlighted the vitality of smaller, local news startups, alternative forms of content distribution, and the promise of AI. Learn more at this episodes offical E&P page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/redefining-value-neil-brown-breaks-down-poynters-vision-for-journalisms-future,251986  

Maya Lau, a former investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, recently found herself at the center of a shocking revelation. For over three years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted a secret investigation against her, accusing her of receiving stolen property related to her reporting on a leaked list of problematic deputies. In a conversation on the podcast, Lau shared her experiences, reflections, and the chilling implications of law enforcement’s actions with E&P Publisher Mike Blinder. Lean more on the episode's landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/a-journalist-secretly-under-fire-the-hidden-investigation-of-maya-lau-by-the-la-sheriffs,251874