Small Press, Big Ideas

What it takes to run a major local newsroom in 2026

In this episode, Paul sits down with Mark Russell, Executive Editor of the Commercial Appeal and South Regional Editor for the USA Today Network, to talk about the realities, and future, of local journalism in the American South.

With more than four decades in newsrooms across the country, Mark brings a grounded, practical perspective on how legacy publications are adapting to digital change while continuing to serve their communities.

Links:

Mark Russell - LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrussell48/

Commercial Appeal

https://www.commercialappeal.com/

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