Editor and Publisher Reports

Local news is changing faster than anyone imagined — and Northwestern University’s Medill School just put numbers to the chaos. Its new State of Local News 2025 report reveals a seismic shift: smartphones have overtaken TV, content creators now rival traditional outlets, and only 15% of Americans say they’re willing to pay for local journalism. For Medill’s Tim Franklin and Stephanie Edgerly, the findings are both a wake-up call and a roadmap for survival. The future of local news, they warn, depends on how fast publishers adapt to audiences who’ve already moved on.   Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/state-of-local-news-2025-smartphones-surge-content-creators-rise-and-only-15-pay,258226  

What happens when a county government tries to silence its watchdog? In Pender County, North Carolina, officials yanked away the Post and Voice’s legal notices — a critical revenue lifeline — not because the paper failed to fulfill its duty, but because it did. Publisher Andy Pettigrew called out backroom deals and ran biting editorial cartoons, prompting the commissioners to strike back. Now, the fight has moved from the courthouse steps to federal court, raising a chilling First Amendment question: If politicians can punish a paper for speaking the truth, what local newsroom is safe? Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/local-publisher-fights-back-after-county-strips-legal-notices-in-retaliation,258103  

Polarization isn’t just dividing dinner tables anymore — it’s turning deadly in the wake of the Charlie Kirk tragedy and now the ICE office shooting in Dallas. The role and responsibility of opinion journalism has never been more scrutinized. That’s why we turned to Nicole Russell, one of USA Today’s leading conservative voices, who has spent more than a decade writing on politics, culture, and policy. She has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Federalist, consistently offering a sharp conservative perspective on some of the most hotly debated issues of our time. In our conversation, Russell opens up about how she balances tone and responsibility, the blurred line between news and opinion, the future of editorial pages, and what advice she has for local publishers navigating this polarized moment.   Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/nicole-russell-usa-todays-conservative-voice-on-why-opinion-journalism-still-matters,257962  

When billion-dollar networks like CBS and ABC cave to political pressure and late-night stars like Colbert and Kimmel get muzzled, what chance does a small-town publisher have? If Washington can bend the most prominent players in media, local newspapers — already stretched thin by lawsuits, advertiser boycotts, and the rise of AI — are staring down an even harsher storm. That’s why Bob Corn-Revere, one of America’s top First Amendment lawyers, warns now is the moment to stiffen spines. “A spine is a terrible thing to waste,” he said — and for publishers, wasting it could mean losing the last line of defense for democracy. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/networks-under-fire-and-what-it-means-for-local-publishers,257824  

In a world where speaking out can result in being silenced forever, journalism itself is under attack. Hours before this conversation was taped, commentator and podcaster Charlie Kirk was gunned down at an event at Utah Valley University — a stark reminder that public voices, whether political or journalistic, face real and rising danger. Against that backdrop, Dr. Peter Laufer, world-traveling journalist, author and editor of the new book “Don't Shoot the Journalists: Migrating to Stay Alive,” joined E&P Reports to explore what’s at stake when reporters are exiled, threatened or even killed — and what our society loses when truth-tellers are taken off the stage.   Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/after-the-kirk-shooting-peter-laufer-warns-journalism-is-more-dangerous-than-ever,257691  

When E&P reported on Sept. 2 that Broad + Liberty and Access Network were merging to form the Fideri News Network, the press release generated more questions than answers: What exactly is this new company? How is it structured? Is it truly positioned to become a meaningful player in today's media landscape, or simply a rebranding of existing outlets? To delve deeper into the announcement, E&P sat down with Broad + Liberty CEO Terry Tracy and Access Global Advisors CEO Jim McDonald, now chairman of the network, for a closer look at what Fideri actually is — and what it aims to become. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/behind-the-launch-a-closer-look-at-the-philly-areas-new-fideri-news-network,257601  

Heather Burns has spent three decades breaking barriers in sports journalism — and now she’s making history as USA Today’s first women’s sports editor. From building ESPN’s NFL Nation team to championing deeper coverage of women’s athletics, Burns brings both experience and passion to the role. “It can’t always be cheerleading,” she says. “It’s also got to be good journalism with integrity.” With a new strategy called Studio 9 and the power of the USA Today Network behind her, she’s determined to give women’s sports the coverage it has always deserved. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/usa-today-doubles-down-on-womens-sports-with-heather-burns-at-the-helm,257504  

The Knight Center for the Future of News at ASU’s Cronkite School isn’t tinkering at the edges of journalism — it’s ripping up the blueprint and starting fresh. Dean Battinto Batts calls this moment “an inflection point,” where trust is eroding and technology is racing ahead faster than most newsrooms can follow. Julia Wallace insists transformation must be rooted in community, warning that too many audiences have been “left alone” without information they can rely on. Together, they’re pushing for flatter newsrooms, bold experiments with AI, and business models that do more than keep the lights on — they rebuild confidence in what news is for.  Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/the-future-of-news-a-deeper-look-at-asus-knight-center-experiment,257394  

When Ken Tingley retired after more than two decades leading The Post-Star in Glens Falls, New York, he thought he was closing the book on his newsroom career. Instead, he wrote one. Then he took it a step further—turning his memoir, The Last American Newspaper, into a stage play that sold out four nights in a row at the Adirondack Theatre Festival. The production didn’t just entertain. It pulled audiences to their feet, stirred tears, and forced a community to reckon with what happens when a local newsroom fades away. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/the-last-american-newspaper-takes-the-stage,257267  

What if every newsroom in America posted its journalistic values where everyone could see them? That’s the bold vision behind the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR), founded by Walter Hussman — legendary publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and chairman of WEHCO Media — and led by Executive Director Rufus Friday. Their mission is as ambitious as it is urgent: rebuild public trust in journalism by making transparency impossible to ignore. In this conversation, they reveal how a simple statement of values could transform how audiences see — and support — the news. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/the-cfinr-mission-clear-values-stronger-trust,257142  

What happens when more than 250 civic leaders, journalists, academics, and funders gather to face the collapse of local news head-on? In Detroit, it sparked an unfiltered conversation about trust, collaboration, and what it will take to rebuild journalism from the ground up. In this episode of E&P Reports, five media power players unpack the July 22 “Local News Crisis” event — and what must happen next. If you care about the future of local journalism, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/in-detroit-a-powerful-case-is-made-for-saving-local-journalism,257028  

In an era when hedge funds gut local newspapers and trust in 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. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/new-chapter-for-lansings-city-pulse-philanthropy-backs-fierce-independence,256921  

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. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/brewing-trust-how-a-newsroom-and-brewery-built-community-through-beer,256793  

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. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/when-tragedy-strikes-local-journalism-leads-coeur-dalene-press-responds-with-clarity-and,256682  

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. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/the-evolution-of-adams-from-publishing-to-multimedia,256583  

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.    Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/rebuilding-local-news-by-thinking-like-an-entrepreneur,256483  

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.   Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/staying-local-staying-strong-jeffrey-warshaw-on-what-still-works-in-media,256362  

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 Ben Weir is proving hyperlocal doesn’t mean old-school. Here’s how one free weekly is rewriting the playbook for local news success. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/innovating-hyperlocal-how-current-publishing-redefines-suburban-news,256246  

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. Access more at this episode’s landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/turning-a-small-town-newspaper-into-a-community-hub,256115  

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’ll look like a software company. Access more at this episode’s landing page:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-sales-to-saas-todd-handys-playbook-for-sustainable-local-media,256009