Local News Matters Podcast

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?? Episode 52 of Local News Matters Podcast with Dan Harris is out! The former ABC News Studios anchor and author/host of 10% Happier talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about: ?? Mindfulness and meditation as tools for resilience ??? War reporting and anchoring at a young age ?? Navigating leadership, entrepreneurship and big transitions ?? Masculinity, male friendships and emotional openness Tune in for practical tips for more equanimity and mindfulness in work and life.???? Full episode: https://lnkd.in/gQiqhVCn #mindfulness #mentalhealth #localnewsmatters #journalism

?? Episode 51 of Local News Matters Podcast with Samantha Ragland is out. American Press Institute’s VP of Journalism Programs talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about fostering well-being in newsrooms, balancing people sustainability with business demands, and creating a culture of care that fuels great journalism. Topics include: ? Prioritizing people over deadlines—and why it works ?? Practical strategies to fight burnout and build resilience ?? Shifting from hero to host: a new leadership mindset ?? Why “stop doing” is just as vital as “keep going” ?? Supporting journalists of color and women in newsrooms ?? Tune in for actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Link in comments. #localnewsmatters #businessofnews #journalism #democracy #mentalhealth #burnout

?? Yesterday, I dropped episode 50 of the Local News Matters Podcast. That feels like a big milestone for a side project. Apparently, only about 10% of podcasts make it to episode 50. I've enjoyed doing this so much, and the feedback has been great. Thanks to all of the guests who've been so generous with their time and thoughts. The Wrapped data from Spotify is fascinating. I'm (edit - NOT) surprised by The Daily. Armchair Expert is a little surprising, and I'd never heard of Off Menu, a new one to check out. The year isn't up (Samantha Ragland and Dan Harris to come), but the top listens this year: * Jay Rosen * Candice Fortman * Kenny Katzgrau * Jim Brady * Jim O'Rourke. Kenny's episode had the most engagement, with an average consumption of 121% (!!)—meaning, on average, people not only listened to the whole episode, but they listened again to another fifth of it. Sarabeth Berman's episode from last year was second with an average consumption of 101%. Thanks to all of those guests, plus Andrew Finlayson, randy picht, Laura Frank, Jennifer Larino, Katherine Ann Rowlands, Teri Finneman, Nick Mathews, Patrick Ferruci, Nic Dawes, Allison Taylor Levine, MPA, Crystal Good, Lisa Snowden-McCray, Karen Rundlet, Jim Brady, Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, Sue Cross, Mary Margaret Miller White, Amy L. Kovac-Ashley, Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, John Garrett, Shannon Kinney, Larry Ryckman, Frank Mungeam, Kelly Ann Scott, Sara M. Lomax, S. Mitra Kalita, Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, Shana Goldberg, Rashad Mahmood, Mark Glaser, Christian Vanek, Barbara Hardt, Dan Grech, Zachary (Zack) Richner, TRACIE POWELL, (continued in comments) I really have enjoyed and learned a lot from all of these conversations. Guests, whether you feel it or not, I have a special connection to you and your work. It's an alumni group that is special to me, and I hope we can stay in touch in perpetuity.

?? Episode 50 ?? of Local News Matters Podcast is out! randy picht (Reynolds Journalism Institute) and Andrew Finlayson (SmithGeiger Group) talk with host Tim Regan-Porter about their landmark study on burnout in journalism. ?? Burnout is a crisis: 80% of journalists say it’s critical, with 1 in 5 planning to leave the profession. ?? Solutions, not just problems: Discover actionable steps newsrooms of all sizes can take—starting today. ?? Rethinking newsroom culture: From flexible schedules to improving work-life balance, small changes can make a big difference. ?? Passion under pressure: Despite challenges, 93% of journalists still see their work as a noble calling. (Link in comments) #localnewsmatters #businessofnews #journalism #democracy

?? On #GivingTuesday / #GivingNewsDay, please consider supporting local news. It's never been more crucial. In Colorado, COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative, Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition and all of the #newsconeeds newsrooms are excellent choices. https://lnkd.in/g6MAXyxr https://lnkd.in/gcqDwTuM https://lnkd.in/gmK2chuG

?? Episode 49 of Local News Matters Podcast with Laura Frank is out. The Executive Director of the COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about sustaining local journalism through collaboration and innovation to address critical challenges. ?? The “fried and frozen” dilemma: How burnout and resource challenges are overwhelming local journalists—and what can help ?? Bridging the gap: Connecting struggling newsrooms with the tools and support they need to thrive ?? Innovation & efficiency: Shared services, AI and new tools to save time, boost revenue and engage communities ?? Building trust: Strengthening ties between journalists and?communities ?? Why local news matters: Fighting misinformation, polarization and news avoidance while preserving community connections ?? Sustainability solutions: Collaboration and philanthropy as keys to preserving local journalism

???Episode 48 of Local News Matters Podcast with Jennifer Larino is out. The ED & Co-Founder of Lede New Orleans talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about how her organization is reshaping local journalism by training young BIPOC storytellers to address community information needs. ??????Episode 48 of @lnmpod with @jenlarino is out. The ED & Co-Founder of Lede New Orleans talks with host @timreganporter about how her organization is reshaping local journalism by training young BIPOC storytellers to address community information needs. ?? Slow journalism in action: Discover why slowing down leads to more inclusive, impactful storytelling. ?? Breaking the mold: Jennifer Larino shares how traditional media can fall short and how Lede New Orleans is creating a different path forward. ?? Building trusted spaces: Learn how engaging with community voices transforms local reporting. ?? Creative programs for impact: From fellowships to live exhibits, explore the innovative ways Lede New Orleans serves its audience. ?? Funding meaningful change: Find out how they’re sustaining a newsroom with purpose while avoiding the pressure to “feed the beast.” (Link in comments) #localnewsmatters #businessofnews #journalism #democracy

?? Episode 47 of Local News Matters Podcast with Katherine Ann Rowlands is out. The owner and publisher of Bay City News talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about BCN’s unique hybrid model and evolution. Topics include: * Balancing the needs of media & business clients and the?public * Challenges of sustainability * Tips for replicating the model * The importance of collaboration over competition? * Supporting the next generation of journalists * Gender diversity in media leadership (Link in comments) #localnewsmatters #businessofnews #journalism #democracy

???Episode 46 of Local News Matters Podcast with Jim O'Rourke is out. The CEO and founder of O'Rourke Media Group shares with host Tim Regan-Porter his journey in local media, from delivering newspapers as a kid to founding a rapidly growing digital-first publishing chain. O'Rourke discusses his approach to acquiring and revitalizing local newspapers, investing in local talent and growing the digital business. He outlines the strategic choices that have guided O'Rourke Media’s success, including his firm stance against paywalls and his commitment to community-focused journalism and sales. In the face of industry pressures, O'Rourke explains why he values small and midsize markets and how he's developed O'Rourke Media Group’s sustainable model by prioritizing advertiser relationships, high-quality local reporting, and new digital revenue streams. He discusses his philosophy on embracing sponsored content as a core revenue source while carefully navigating editorial integrity—a delicate balance that he believes is essential for the future of local news. O'Rourke also explores his renewed investment in print, noting the value print editions hold for both advertisers and local audiences. Reflecting on key lessons learned, he details his experiences working under Berkshire Hathaway, why he finds potential in digital agency services, and his vision for the future, including expanding into more communities and a possible employee ownership model. (Link in comments) #localnewsmatters #businessofnews #journalism #democracy