Local News Matters
Highlighting the innovative work of local newsrooms and the crucial questions they face.
Innovation. Business models. Community listening. Authenticity. Diversity and inclusion. Digital evolution. Tech stacks. Ad products. Audience growth. Healthy newsroom cultures. Journalism with impact.
Listen to leading doers and thinkers in local news—from small rural and ethnic publications to large ecosystem builders and funders—address these topics and more on the Local News Matters podcast.
Hosted by Tim Regan-Porter, CEO of the Colorado Press Association, Local News Matters features extended conversations covering a wide range of topics. Tim talks to reporters, editors, publishers, startup founders, sales leaders, philanthropists and more – anyone doing new or exemplary work or proffering thought-provoking insights is fair game.
Whether you’re a newsroom leader, a sales executive or just a citizen who cares deeply about informed communities, you’ll find something here worth your time.
If you know of local newsrooms are doing innovative work or interesting thinkers & doers in local news, please let us know via the feedback link in the menu.
Newest episode
Building business capacity and rigor in nonprofit newsrooms with American Journalism Project’s Sarabeth Berman (LNM Episode 21)
Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project, discusses the organization's approach to helping nonprofit news organizations build strong, sustainable businesses. She shares insights from her unique vantage point, having come from outside the world of...
Past episodes
Centering communities: Tracie Powell on equity, inclusivity and philanthropy
Tracie Powell, the engaging and provocative founder and CEO of the Pivot Fund, shares her unique perspective on the intersection of journalism, philanthropy, and racial equity. Drawing from her rich experiences spanning j-school, advertising and circulation,...
Boosting Engagement and Revenue with Newsletters: Insights from Dan Oshinsky
Dan Oshinsky, founder of Inbox Collective, is one of the foremost experts on building, growing and monetizing newsletters. Oshinsky discusses how email newsletters remain a powerful tool for local newsrooms to build an audience and generate revenue, best practices...
Journalism, leadership and the power of diversity with Linda Shapley (via What Works)
I am excited to bring you an episode from another excellent podcast covering the local news industry. From Northeastern University’s School of Journalism, “What Works: The Future of Local News” is hosted by former Boston Globe editor Ellen Clegg and Northeastern’s...
Insights from Media Tech Startup CEOs, Yehong Zhu of Zette and Jake Seaton of Column
Yehong Zhu, founder and CEO of Zette, and Jake Seaton, founder and CEO of Column, about the challenges and successes of running tech startups that serve news organizations. They explore the impact of financial pressure in the industry and the importance of...
Digital Advertising Trends & Strategies with Charity Huff, CEO of January Spring: LNM Episode 10
Even as newsrooms shift their focus to reader revenue, evolving their digital ad strategies can provide a crucial boost to their sustainability and provide a valuable service to their local communities. Charity Huff, CEO of January Spring and managing partner at...
The Green Bay Packers’ Community Ownership Model for Local News: Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry at the Aurora Sentinel
Last year, the Aurora Sentinel in Colorado transitioned to a non-profit and immediately began exploring options for community investment. Working closely with Joaquin Alvarado, they are preparing to roll-out a community ownership initiative modeled after Green Bay...