Editor and Publisher Reports

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

The Pulitzer Prize-winning digital news outlet Lookout Local, founded by Ken Doctor, is expanding its innovative approach to local journalism beyond Santa Cruz, California, with plans to launch Lookout Eugene-Springfield in early 2025. This move marks the beginning of a broader national expansion strategy, aimed at revitalizing local news in communities across the United States. Hear insights from founder and CEO Ken Doctor, plus newly appointed COO/CRO Jed Williams and chief of staff, Ashley Harmon, More information at E&P Magazine episode landing page: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/lookout-local-expands-to-oregon-bringing-back-jed-williams-promoting-ashley-harmon-and-hiring-nyt,251766?

In this episode of “E&P Reports,” Danielle Coffey, president & CEO of the News/Media Alliance (NMA), discussed recent developments in the media landscape, highlighted the implications of California’s public-private partnership with Google and the status of the Journalism Competition & Preservation Act (JCPA), and the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) ruling against Google for antitrust violations. Coffey emphasized the ongoing challenges and opportunities for news publishers in securing fair compensation for their content from Big Tech platforms. She reiterated the importance of unity within the industry to navigate these changes effectively and advocated for continued legislative and legal efforts to protect and support quality journalism. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-california-to-congress-danielle-coffey-of-the-nma-breaks-down-the-california-google-deal-the,251625

In an era where the lines between truth and disinformation are increasingly blurred, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) has emerged as a non-partisan, all-volunteer organization that claims to be dedicated to ensuring the integrity of public information. Founded by individuals who believe that a healthy democracy relies on accurate and reliable journalism, MAD is actively working to hold media outlets accountable, combat disinformation, and support local journalism. In this episode we chat with Milo Vassallo, the executive director, and Brian Hansbury, one of the original founders as they share insights into their mission and current initiatives. More at episode landing page on E&P site:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/mads-fight-against-fox-founders-discuss-their-fcc-push-and-this-weeks-open-letter-to-the,251463

The massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, left an indelible mark on the community, claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The event shocked the nation and profoundly impacted the small city of Uvalde and its local newspaper, the Uvalde Leader-News. Craig Garnett, owner and publisher of the Uvalde Leader-News, shared his experiences during this harrowing time, discussed the challenges and transformations that followed and spoke about the experience of having his team featured in the new ABC News documentary “Print It Black.” Access more at the episode's E&P Landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/navigating-tragedy-and-transformation-the-uvalde-leader-news-craig-garnett,251352  

In the ever-evolving media landscape, understanding how news is consumed across different social platforms is crucial for adapting to changing audience behaviors. In this episode of “E&P Reports,” we interview Katerina Eva Matsa, director of news and information research at Pew Research Center, and Jim Brady, vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation, to delve into the Pew study: “How Americans Get News on TikTok, X, Facebook and Instagram.” The insights gleaned from our conversation provide a roadmap for news publishers navigating this dynamic environment. Read more at this episode's E&P Magazine landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/from-platforms-to-practice-key-findings-from-pews-social-media-study,251134  

In this episode, E&P spoke with two prominent figures in the newspaper industry: Matt Paxton, publisher of The News-Gazette in Lexington, Virginia, and past president of the National Newspaper Association (NNA), and Brad Hill, CEO of Interlink and an NNA representative on the USPS Mailer’s Technical Advisory Committee. They explore the ongoing relevance of print media, the intricacies of postal delivery and the NNA’s advocacy efforts to help community publishers address today's news publishing challenges. Visit the episode page at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/navigating-the-challenges-of-usps-print-delivery,251018

In this exclusive interview with E&P Magazine, Mike Beaudet, an investigative reporter for WCVB-TV in Boston and a journalism professor at Northeastern University, shares his vision for adapting local news to resonate with Gen Z through his pioneering Reinventing Local News Project. Funded by the Stanton Foundation, the project aims to repackage traditional broadcast content to meet the digital consumption habits of younger audiences. Beaudet emphasizes leveraging digital platforms like TikTok and OTT to deliver short-form videos, experimenting with longer, context-rich stories, and focusing on authentic, relatable storytelling. By employing innovative strategies and maintaining flexibility in talent acquisition, Beaudet’s project offers a roadmap for news organizations to engage Gen Z and sustain quality journalism in the digital age.   Access more on the ineterview's E&P Magazine landing page, at:  https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/engaging-the-next-generation-mike-beaudets-vision-for-gen-z

In a recent interview with Howard Homonoff, Senior National Advisor for Media & Entertainment Industry at Grant Thornton LLP and a weekly columnist for Forbes Magazine, E&P delved into the current state of local journalism. The conversation was sparked by Homonoff’s recent Forbes article titled “Presidential Debate In Focus But Local Journalism Battles For Its Life,” which highlights the severe challenges faced by local journalism, including a long-term decline in newsroom employment and the emergence of “news desert” communities. Learn more at: http://www.EditorandPublisher.com/Vodcasts   

In this exclusive interview with E&P, prominent American journalist, Guardian columnist and media critic Margaret Sullivan discussed the current leadership turmoil at The Washington Post, highlighting Jeff Bezos’ decision to hire Will Lewis as the new publisher and the controversies surrounding his tenure. Sullivan also emphasized her efforts to reshape her Substack newsletter, “American Crisis,” to address the critical role of the media in informing the public and safeguarding democracy, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election. Reference more information and complete audio transcipt at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/margaret-sullivan-on-controversies-at-the-post-and-prioritizing-her-focus-on-medias-critical,250533  

  In this wide-ranging interview with Jeffrey Sleete, a seasoned media sales consultant with a rich radio and TV advertising sales background, we delved into his approach to media sales and the principles that have guided his successful career. Sleete, who now writes a column for E&P Magazine, shared his ideas on various aspects of how to successfully engage small businesses in today’s challenging local media ecosystem. Access links, audio transcripts and more info on this episode's landing page at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/unveiling-the-secrets-of-sales-mastery-insights-from-jeffrey-sleete,250412