Keep It Local | Local Media Association

Local Media Association
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Keep It Local explores how local journalism is evolving — and thriving — through innovation. Hosted by the Local Media Association, each episode highlights strategies that help newsrooms build community and revenue. 🎙️

  1. 2d ago

    Tim Franklin on local news’ historic transformation

    Local news is losing more than two newspapers a week—but that is only one side of the industry’s story. Tim Franklin, professor and John M. Mutz Chair in Local News at Northwestern University’s Medill School, says local journalism is experiencing both troubling decline and encouraging growth. Digital-only publications, local news networks and independent content creators are emerging as the industry searches for sustainable ways to serve communities. Franklin joins Keep It Local host Ryan Welton at Local Media Fest 2026 in Chicago to discuss what he calls the greatest transformation in local news since the penny press of the 1830s. The conversation explores the civic and economic consequences of news deserts, the urgency of experimentation and the need for news organizations to reach audiences through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and text messaging. Franklin also explains why strong local sports coverage can attract audiences, build community and drive subscriptions or memberships. And as a former Chicago Tribune sports editor, he offers an insider’s perspective on the Cubs-White Sox rivalry. Franklin is the founding director of the Medill Local News Initiative, which conducts the State of Local News Project and supports news organizations through research, acceleration, leadership training and other programs designed to strengthen local journalism. Learn more at localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu. Keep It Local is a podcast from Local Media Association. If you'd like to be a guest on an episode or to sponsor the podcast, reach out to Lindsey Estes (lindsey.estes@localmedia.org) and Ryan Welton (ryan.welton@localmedia.org).

  2. 2d ago

    Building a Sustainable Future for Local News with Liz White

    Sustainable local journalism requires more than a single source of revenue. It requires experimentation, collaboration and a culture willing to embrace transformation. Local Media Association coach and consultant Liz White joins Keep It Local host Ryan Welton at Local Media Fest 2026 in Chicago to discuss how Local Media Association helps news organizations develop new ideas and build stronger business models. White explains how LMA’s labs combine peer learning with hands-on coaching, giving local media leaders a place to discuss shared challenges and experiment together. She also outlines the revenue pillars that can support long-term sustainability, including events, digital agencies and philanthropy—all built upon a foundation of trusted local journalism. A fifth-generation family media owner and former publisher in central Connecticut, White previously participated in LMA programs and served eight years on the organization’s board. Now, she uses those experiences to coach other publishers through their own transformation. In this episode: • Why collaboration is so valuable for local media leaders • How LMA’s labs combine peer learning and individual coaching • Why transformation must become part of a company’s culture • How multiple revenue pillars can strengthen a news organization • Why trusted local journalism must remain the foundation Keep It Local is a podcast from Local Media Association. If you'd like to be a guest on an episode or to sponsor the podcast, reach out to Lindsey Estes (lindsey.estes@localmedia.org) and Ryan Welton (ryan.welton@localmedia.org).

  3. Aug 25

    Why local news is essential, with Dean Baquet

    Former New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet believes the erosion of local journalism is helping drive America’s civic and political divisions. In this conversation recorded at Local Media Fest 2026 in Chicago, Baquet explains why strong local reporting gives communities a shared identity, helps residents understand the decisions affecting their lives and strengthens democracy. Baquet also shares a lesson local newsrooms can take from The New York Times: Ask what journalism you can provide every day that your audience cannot get anywhere else. He discusses the need for news organizations to communicate their value, become more transparent about editorial decisions and own their mistakes. Baquet now leads The New York Times’ Local Investigations Fellowship, supporting reporters pursuing ambitious accountability journalism in communities across the country. In this episode: • Why the erosion of local news affects the entire country • What local publishers can learn from The New York Times • How news deserts weaken accountability • Why communities must financially support local journalism • How transparency can rebuild audience trust • Baquet’s work supporting local investigative reporters Keep It Local is a podcast of Local Media Association, hosted by Ryan Welton. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, or if you'd like to sponsor it — email Lindsey Estes at lindsey.estes@localmedia.org and Ryan Welton at ryan.welton@localmedia.org.

  4. Jul 28

    The $1.1 Billion Cost of America's Local News Crisis | Matt Baker with Rebuild Local News

    What does the local news crisis actually cost communities? According to new research from Rebuild Local News, the answer is about $1.1 billion every year in higher borrowing costs alone. Keep It Local host Ryan Welton sits down with Matt Baker, director of research at Rebuild Local News, to discuss the organization's latest report and why communities without watchdog journalism pay more to finance schools, roads and public infrastructure. They also explore the broader consequences of news deserts, including civic engagement, public accountability, financial misconduct and the growing body of research showing that local journalism delivers measurable economic value. In this episodeWhy lenders charge more when local news disappearsThe connection between watchdog journalism and taxpayer costsExamples of communities where accountability reporting made a differenceThe broader economic impacts of news desertsWhy rebuilding local journalism will require more than one solution Guest: Matt Baker, Director of Research, Rebuild Local News Learn more about Rebuilding Local News at https://www.rebuildlocalnews.org/ If you'd like to be a guest on the Keep It Local podcast or, perhaps, to sponsor Keep It Local — reach out to Lindsey Estes at lindsey.estes@localmedia.org and Ryan Welton at ryan.welton@localmedia.org

  5. Jul 7

    How Connecticut Public Uses AI to Surface Stories Hidden in Public Meetings

    Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities for local newsrooms — including finding stories that they might not otherwise know about. In this episode of Keep It Local, host Ryan Welton sits down with Jim Haddadin, investigative editor at Connecticut Public, and Susan Bell, senior director of data and digital services, to discuss the organization's award-winning Public Meeting Monitor. The AI-powered system analyzes government meetings, identifies potentially newsworthy developments, and helps reporters uncover stories happening across communities throughout Connecticut. The conversation also explores Curio, Connecticut Public's audience-support chatbot, along with broader lessons about newsroom adoption, transparency, audience trust, and the future of AI in local journalism. Topics discussed: Why Connecticut Public built the Public Meeting MonitorHow AI reviews and summarizes public meetingsThe role of human journalists in the reporting processStories that originated from AI-generated news tipsBuilding audience-service tools with AILessons for local news organizations exploring AIWhere newsroom innovation is headed next Guests: Jim Haddadin, Investigative Editor, Connecticut Public Susan Bell, Senior Director of Data and Digital Services, Connecticut Public Hosted by Ryan Welton for Local Media Association's Keep It Local podcast.

  6. Jun 23

    Journalism Careers Are Changing: Bridget Thoreson on Navigating What's Next

    The journalism profession is undergoing significant change, leaving many media professionals wondering what comes next. In this episode of Keep It Local, host Ryan Welton talks with Bridget Thoreson, founder of MyCareerRiver, about the realities of navigating journalism careers in an era of layoffs, disruption, entrepreneurship, and rapid technological change. Drawing from interviews with more than 160 professionals, Bridget shares practical insights on career reinvention, adapting to uncertainty, and recognizing the value of journalism skills beyond traditional newsroom roles. Among the topics discussed: Why the traditional journalism career ladder no longer works for many professionalsThe three principles that emerged from Bridget's career researchHow journalists can reframe uncertainty as an opportunity for discoveryThe surprising job-search breakthrough that helped one journalist land a job after more than a year of unemploymentWhy skills matter more than titlesHow newsletters, podcasts, consulting, and entrepreneurship are creating new opportunities for journalistsWhat media professionals can do today to prepare for the future Learn more about Bridget's work at MyCareerRiver.com. Would you like to sponsor a future episode of Keep It Local? Our membership comprises more than 3,000 local media companies of all sizes and media. We have a variety of ways to get you in front of key decision-makers within the industry.

  7. Jun 16

    Podcasting for Local Media: A Practical Playbook for 2026

    Podcasting can feel intimidating for local media organizations. Questions about equipment, studios, editing, distribution and monetization often stop projects before they begin. In this special episode of "Keep It Local," host Ryan Welton turns the microphone on himself to discuss his new LMII Innovation Insights report on podcasting and explain why he believes podcasts have become one of the most powerful content engines available to local media organizations today. Ryan shares practical lessons from his work in local journalism, digital audience strategy and podcast production, offering a step-by-step look at how newsrooms can launch sustainable podcast programs without massive budgets or complicated studio setups. The conversation covers everything from microphones and audio quality to Riverside workflows, video production, content repurposing and revenue opportunities through branded content. In this episode:Why podcasting should be viewed as a content pillarThe biggest mistakes newsrooms make before launching a podcastWhy audio quality matters more than video qualityRecommended microphones, headphones and recording setupsRiverside vs. other remote recording platformsSimple lighting techniques for better video podcastsEditing workflows using Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition and HandBrakeGetting podcasts onto Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTubeTurning one podcast into articles, newsletters and social media contentUsing podcasts to support branded content and sponsorship salesWhy long-form conversations are thriving in 2026 Key Quote"It's not just video, it's not just audio, it's short clips. It's a written article."Resources MentionedLMII Innovation Insights Report: PodcastingRiversideAdobe Premiere ProAdobe AuditionHandBrakeCaptivateBeehiivOpus ClipCanva ConnectHave questions about podcasting, newsroom workflows or content strategy? Contact Ryan Welton at Local Media Association to continue the conversation.

  8. Jun 8

    Rising Star in Innovation: Ruby Jones on Community Storytelling, Media Literacy and the Future of Local News

    What happens when a journalist sees critical gaps between communities and local media? For Ruby Jones, the answer was to build something entirely new. Ruby is the founder of Empower Media Exchange, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to community storytelling, media literacy, youth engagement and civic information. Her innovative work earned her Local Media Association's 2025 Digital Innovation Award for Rising Star in Innovation. In this episode of Keep It Local, Ryan Welton talks with Ruby about creating Colorado's first Community Information Commons, helping young people become storytellers, building trust through relationship-centered journalism and why communication skills matter far beyond the newsroom. In this episodeHow Ruby's journalism journey began earlyThe inspiration behind Empower Media ExchangeWhy media literacy is about more than spotting misinformationCreating opportunities for youth storytellersThe role of intergenerational collaboration in journalismBuilding the Community Information CommonsWhy every organization should think like a media companyHow local journalism can better connect with communitiesThe future of storytelling and audience trust About Ruby JonesRuby Jones is the founder of Empower Media Exchange, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through storytelling, media literacy and civic engagement. Through initiatives including Front Range Focus, the Community Information Commons and NextGen Media Literacy Labs, she is helping create more inclusive pathways for people to share their stories and participate in local media. ResourcesEmpower Media Exchange — https://empowermediaexchange.org Follow Ruby Jones on LinkedIn Follow Ruby on Instagram: @writing4real Local Media Association — https://localmedia.org

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Keep It Local explores how local journalism is evolving — and thriving — through innovation. Hosted by the Local Media Association, each episode highlights strategies that help newsrooms build community and revenue. 🎙️

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