Local News Matters Tim Regan-Porter

Amy Kovac-Ashley, the executive director of Tiny News Collective shares insights on how Tiny News Collective supports early-stage news founders, particularly those from traditionally excluded communities, by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community. 
 
The discussion covers the importance of diverse voices in local journalism, the challenges faced by local news startups, and the innovative ways they can engage with their audiences. Amy emphasizes the significance of understanding community needs and tailoring editorial and business strategies accordingly.
 
Key takeaways include the potential for local news to act as a community connector, the value of arts and culture coverage, and the need for sustainable support systems for small news organizations. Amy also highlights successful case studies, such as Future Tides and The Shout, and explores the role of new revenue opportunities in sustaining local journalism.
 
Episode chapters:
(02:36) - The mission of Tiny News Collective
(05:24) - Changing the face of local news
(07:43) - Arts and culture coverage as community connector
(16:43) - Building support systems for early-stage news founders
(27:03) - Tailoring support to individual needs
(31:39) - The challenges of early-stage founders
(43:19) - Scaling support
(45:46) - Criteria for joining Tiny News Collective
(48:15) - Rapid-fire questions
 
Links: Amy Kovac-Ashley: Linkedln, Twitter/X 
The Tiny News Collective
Mentioned
 Cara Kuhlman and Future Tides
Mazin Sidahmed and Documented
Jiquanda Johnson and Flint Beat
Nancy Flores and Austin Vida
The Shout
Project Optimist
Duc Luu and Knight Foundation
Aaron Pilofar
Heather Bryant
Tyler Fisher
Claudia Amaro and Planeta Venus
Jeff Jarvis
Jay Rosen
Wichita Foundation
LION Publishers
INN (Investigative News Network)
New Mexico Local News Fund
Documenters
Journalism and Design program at The New School
Recommendations:
Comedy;
Mike Birbiglia and Working It Out podcast
WTF with  Marc Maron
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.
Trevor Noah stand up
City Cast
Northern Exposure and Northern Overexposure podcast
The Hill Is Home
The DC Line
Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
 
For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Michael Shaprio (TAPinto), Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards,

In this episode, Michael Shapiro, founder and CEO of TAPinto, delves into his innovative franchise model for local news. He shares insights on how TAPinto helps local news publishers focus on local content and advertising by handling backend services like billing, technology and graphic design. Shapiro highlights success stories from various franchisees, discusses their new licensing option for non-franchisees, and explores the challenges and opportunities in local journalism. As newsrooms are spread thin and the industry increasingly looks to shared services models, TAPinto’s approach to providing services offers lessons well beyond their franchisees.
Links: Michael Shapiro: LinkedIn, Twitter/X
TAPinto
Mentioned
Daily Targum
Patch.com 
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), SPJ Code of Ethics
Saint Bonaventure University’s TAPinto Greater Olean
TAPinto the Breeze: Bridgewater and Raritan
Halston Media News
Local Media Association
Recommendations:
Variety of national media:
Washington Post: washingtonpost.com
CNN: cnn.com
Fox: foxnews.com
New York Times: nytimes.com
Local news
Master Chef
Top Chef
Dateline
Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
 
For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Kenny Katzgrau (redbankgreen and Broadstreet), John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

Kenny Katzgrau, majority owner of redbankgreen and founder of Broadstreet, shares his vision for revitalizing community journalism. He discusses strategies to  help hyperlocal websites and small community weeklies thrive. 
Katzgrau’s approach involves enhancing advertising efficacy and community engagement through digital tools, advocating for news that not only informs but also engages and uplifts the community. He calls for a balance of serious journalism with elements of fun, suggesting that a vibrant local news outlet can profoundly impact its community by reflecting a broader, more inclusive view of news coverage.
Katzgrau provides very practical tips on making digital advertising work for local businesses and for long-term financial sustainability of news outlets.
 
Episode chapters:
(02:35) - From serving publishers to becoming one
(07:43) - Sustainable is not enough. How about prosperity?
(12:12) - Experimenting to serve advertisers
(15:47) - Recruiting the community to cover stories you can’t
(21:37) - The importance of fun in work
(24:54) - The importance of fun for readers
(28:32) - The business owner mindset vs. the reporter mindset
(31:12) - Advertising as telling the story of local businesses
(35:26) - Beyond CPM buy. Start with what you need.
(40:40) - Nurturing advertiser relationships and automating tasks
(44:08) - The Broadstreet ad manager platform
(49:11) - Rapid-fire questions
 
Links: Kenny Katzgrau: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Medium
redbankgreen
Broadstreet
Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
 
For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: John Garrett (Community Impact), Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).

John Garrett, CEO and founder of Community Impact, shares insights from his journey of launching and expanding a family of hyperlocal weekly newspapers from the game room of his Texas home in 2005 to reaching 2.5 million homes across 70 communities today. Garrett delves into the unconventional success of a print-centric model in a digital-dominated era, emphasizing the importance of distribution, community engagement, and the unique editorial mix that caters to the civic and local business news interests of residents.
Garrett also discusses the challenges and learnings from overexpansion into other states and the strategic decision to refocus on Texas, underscoring the resilience and adaptability required in the evolving news industry. He highlights the innovative approaches Community Impact has adopted, including digital transformation initiatives like CI 360 and the use of Smart Brevity to enhance storytelling and reader engagement.
Garrett emphasizes on the critical role of local advertising in sustaining journalism, advocating for a partnership approach with local businesses and the significance of geography in advertising effectiveness. He shares personal reflections on leadership, the impact of taking a sabbatical for mental health, and the vision for Community Impact's future, including aspirations for generational leadership and expansion within Texas. Garrett's story is a testament to the enduring value of local news and the potential for print media to thrive through innovation, community focus, and a deep commitment to journalistic integrity.
Episode chapters:
(02:06) - A print success story in the digital age
(05:20) - An editorial mix of catnip and civic info for every resident
(10:29) - Don’t ignore Main Street
(15:08) - Committing to showing up
(19:55) - Why print is a driving force for Community Impact
(23:40) - Not abandoning reach and advertising for reader revenue
(26:46) - Keys to driving ad sales
(29:57) - Geography is your great advantage with an advertiser
(33:50) - Digital transformation at CI
(35:36) - Overexpansion followed by retraction to focus on Texas
(40:45) - Burnout among leaders
(43:46) - Recent growth and plans for the future
(46:59) - Rapid-fire questions
 
Links: John Garrett: LinkedIn, Twitter/X
Community Impact
Mentioned
“How Community Impact Built an Oasis in the News Desert”, Texas Monthly
Smart Brevity
Post on CEO burnout/well-being
The Great Game of Business
Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Shannon Kinney (Dream Local Digital), Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Heark

Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital, discusses the evolving landscape of digital advertising and how trust is also a secret sauce for news media in selling advertising. With her extensive experience and accolades, including serving on the board for the Local Media Association and being named Local Digital Innovator of the Year, Shannon offers invaluable insights into strategies for local news organizations to adapt and thrive in a digital-first world. We delve into the importance of a client-forward approach instead of a product-focused approach, the potential of digital services beyond advertising, and the unique advantages local newspapers hold in trust and local knowledge. 
 
Episode chapters:
(03:24) - Does digital advertising mean low margin?
(06:44) - Going beyond selling audience to selling solutions
(11:26) - Trust is a local newspaper’s key competitive advantage
(14:37) - Learning digital solutions to help a client best tell their story
(17:48) - Storytelling and local knowledge as key differentiators
(24:24) - Tell a story about your other key differentiator, your print product and digital brand
(31:12) - Using AI on the sales side
(35:04) - Partnering to provide digital solutions
(38:16) - Selling as a client partner
(42:28) - The menu of services
 
Links: Shannon Kinney: LinkedIn, Twitter/X
Dream Local Digital
Local Media Association
Two training sessions for listeners
Description
Session 1, passcode: nHf07%kH
Session 2, passcode: +?UNby15
Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
 
For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.
Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Larry Ryckman (The Colorado Sun),  Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun). 
 

Larry Ryckman, editor and co-founder of The Colorado Sun, shares insights into the digital outlet’s journey. Transitioning to a nonprofit model on its fifth anniversary, The Colorado Sun has not only survived but thrived, garnering national attention for its approach to news coverage and its business model. With more individual members than the much-lauded Texas Tribune, The Colorado Sun's strategy for growing reader revenue without a paywall is a testament to its commitment to accessible journalism.
Ryckman delves into the founding of The Colorado Sun. He discusses the challenges and learnings from moving away from the page view business to focus on engaging content that resonates with readers, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and community in the digital age.
The conversation also covers the Sun's business model, which balances memberships, advertising, and grants, setting a sustainable path forward for nonprofit newsrooms. Ryckman's personal journey from a seasoned journalist to navigating the business side of running a news outlet offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of quality journalism.
Episode chapters:
(02:44) - Founding The Colorado Sun
(08:01) - The successful business model of The Sun
(09:53) - “If we’re going to be digital, let’s make it a great experience.”
(18:44) - Growing reader revenue without a paywall
(24:10) - Learning the business side of journalism
(29:29) - Working without a net as an entrepreneur
(36:11) - From LLC to B Corp to nonprofit
(45:41) - Rapid-fire questions
 
Links: Larry Ryckman: LinkedIn, Twitter/X
The Colorado Sun
 
Mentioned:
Texas Tribune
Community Impact
Alabama Media Group
 
Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook
Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter
 
For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Frank Mungeam (Local Media Association), Kelly Ann Scott (Alabama Media Group), Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita (URL Media), Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro (National Trust for Local News), Mike Rispoli and Richard Young (via When the People Decide), Sarabeth Berman (American Journalism Project), Rabbi Hillel Goldberg and Shana Goldberg (Intermountain Jewish News),  Lyndsay C. Green (via The Journalism Salute), Rashad Mahmood and Mark Glaser (New Mexico Local News Fund), Christian Vanek and Barbara Hardt (The Mountain-Ear), Dan Grech (BizHack), Zack Richner (Easy Tax Credits), Tracie Powell (Pivot Fund), Dan Oshinsky (Inbox Collective), Linda Shapley (via What Works), Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton (Zette, Column), Charity Huff (January Spring), Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry (Aurora Sentinel), Steve Waldman (Rebuild Local News), Maritza Félix (Conecta Arizona), Michael Bolden (American Press Institute), Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins (CFOIC, Colorado College), Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson (Spaceship Media), Jennifer Brandel (Hearken, Democracy SOS), Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh (Sopris Sun).