Published in New Mexico Local News Fund·Nov 9, 2021New Mexico Local Newsrooms Find More Ways to CollaborateIn another challenging year, local news outlets teamed together to strengthen and expand coverage I feel like a broken record when writing about the state of local media in New Mexico. The pandemic feels like it will never end, and business prospects have been a roller coaster ride for many…New Mexico5 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·Oct 6, 2021How Creative Ownership Structures Can Help Local News Publishers Stay LocalMore publishers are trying out public benefit corporations, journalist-owned LLCs and cooperatives to tie publications closer to communities. For years, American communities have made heroic efforts to save local shops in the face of voracious chain and big-box stores and e-commerce bullies such as Amazon. That’s why you’ve heard calls…Local News11 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·Aug 20, 2021How Philanthropy Became a Growing Revenue Stream for Local NewsResearch shows grants and donations are on the rise for nonprofit and for-profit news outlets around the country The growth of nonprofit news outlets in America means that more foundations, philanthropists and donors are supporting local news than in the past. And the push by the Local Media Association (LMA)…Philanthropy10 min read
Published in New Mexico Local News Fund·Jul 26, 2021New Mexico Newsrooms Increase Community Engagement as Society Opens UpLocal news publishers are planning more in-person events this fall as prospects increase for engagement and fundraising The lockdowns that were widespread in New Mexico last year have now eased, meaning that people are more willing to meet up in person. That also means that local news publishers that had…Local News4 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·Jul 20, 2021Policy-palooza: How Congress, state and local governments can stabilize local newsHere’s a guide to all the potential bills — and existing New Jersey and New York City programs — to help make local news sustainable It’s been the best of times and worst of times for local news publishers. They have been decimated by shifting digital business models, while attention…Congress13 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·Jun 17, 2021Is It Safe to Go Back in the Water? Publishers Debate In-Person vs. Online vs. Hybrid EventsMany say they will stick to online events, but others are moving forward with some outdoor or limited in-person events. Do you have Zoom fatigue from so many online meetings each day? I know I do, and it’s starting to wear me down. As COVID-19 infections wane in the U.S…Events9 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·May 27, 2021A Guide to Resources for Local News Publishers of ColorCommunities of color need to have strong, sustainable local news outlets to cover them in a fair, equitable way. While Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native newspapers, TV and radio have a long history, the shift of ad revenue to tech platforms has hit many of them hard — with the…Diversity13 min read
Published in New Mexico Local News Fund·May 26, 2021How New Mexico Local Newsrooms Plan to Bounce Back from the PandemicOur 10 Revenue Initiative grantees plan to start memberships, events, merchandise and more this year By every measure, the last year has been a struggle for local news outlets in the nation and here in New Mexico. Local businesses have had to close or temporarily shutter, leaving less money for…Revenue3 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·Feb 23, 2021For Local News Publishers, Necessity is the Mother of InventionAmid the pandemic, publishers have come up with new sources of revenue and tapped new support for diversity, equity and inclusion. Here are some solutions worth sharing. Whether it’s on TV or radio, in a newspaper or online, local news has had the struggle of its life. The loss of…Local News5 min read
Published in Trust, Media and Democracy·Feb 11, 2021How Local News Became Indispensable During the COVID-19 PandemicDuring the biggest public health crisis in a century, local news reporters are on the front lines giving communities vital information — and funders have stepped up to help In a time of crisis, people turn to local news outlets to understand what’s happening and how they can get help…Local News6 min read
