Sustainable Local Journalism: 3 Important Conversations from KMF

At this year’s Knight Media Forum, conversations about the future of local journalism came back to a common theme: sustainability.

We know local news is essential. It holds the government accountable, informs communities and strengthens democracy. But knowing its value doesn’t solve the fundamental issue so many local news organizations face: how to build a business model that lasts.

At KMF, I had the opportunity to discuss this challenge with some of the sharpest minds working in journalism and media sustainability today. But it’s clear to me that grants alone won’t save local news.

From Grant-Funded to Self-Sustaining

I spoke with Marisa Porto, MBA , the Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability at 美国北卡罗来纳大学教堂山分校 , about the need for grant-funded startups to have a real path to financial sustainability. We’ve seen too many well-intentioned local news projects start with strong funding but struggle (or shut down) once the money runs out. That’s not a business model; it’s a short-term fix.

Local news organizations need diverse revenue streams that support long-term growth. Advertising remains a key driver, but success comes from a mix of direct ad sales, sponsored content, events and other revenue opportunities that keep outlets financially independent and connected to their communities.

Bringing News to Areas That Have None

We also talked about news deserts, particularly in South New Jersey, where entire communities lack access to consistent, professional local reporting. Jordan Reese of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and I discussed ways to fill these gaps. The barrier to entry for publishers shouldn’t be so high, which is why Hyperlocal News Network and TAPinto.net - Local News and Digital Marketing provide affordable infrastructure, technology and an ad-supported revenue model that can sustain independent local news sites in communities that currently have none.

Policy Solutions: Keeping Ad Dollars in the Community

Another major topic was how public policy can help local journalism thrive. I had an important discussion with Steven Waldman , President and Founder of Rebuild Local News , about model legislation to provide tax credits to small businesses that advertise in local media.

This kind of policy is a win-win:

• It helps small businesses by reducing the cost of advertising.
• It helps local news organizations by ensuring ad dollars stay in the community instead of flowing to big tech.
• It strengthens local economies by supporting small businesses and local media together.

What Comes Next?

The Knight Foundation Media Forum reinforced what we at Hyperlocal News Network and TAPinto have been focused on for years: local publishers need sustainable business models, not temporary fixes.

They need reliable revenue streams.

They need tech that works for them, not against them.

They need operational support so they can focus on journalism, not just survival.

Based on the success of TAPinto's infrastructure to help enable nearly 100 TAPinto owner/publishers to be successful and profitable long-term, we created HNN for existing publishers — to provide the business backbone that independent publishers need to thrive. From ad placement and billing and HR support to content sharing and seamless tech, infrastructure can turn struggling newsrooms into sustainable businesses.

The future of local journalism won’t be saved by a single solution, but by many news organizations building strong, lasting business models. That’s what will keep journalism alive — not just for the next grant cycle, but for centuries.??

News and Insights from the News Industry

• I was busy enough at KMF that it was really nice to catch up on some of what others learned across LinkedIn and blogs. For anyone who missed out, here are the key sessions.?
• According to new data from Pew Research Center, Americans consistently express higher trust in their local media than in national media outlets. To me, this shows how important it is to continue our mission of objectivity and finding the stories and issues that have the greatest impact in our communities.?
• Now that we are in an era in which platforms prioritize and distribute viral content over real facts, I think it’s crucial every news publisher doubles down on trust-building efforts with our audience, showcasing what real journalism looks like.?

What’s New With TAPinto and Hyperlocal News Network?

• We are thrilled Local Media Consortium named Hyperlocal News Network its preferred CMS and back office service provider — a partnership that connects our world-class technology and support to publishers who need digital solutions.?
• TAPinto has launched a new Legal Notices Platform in New Jersey, providing a more affordable, accessible and transparent way to publish public notices for just $25.?
• Another community is getting the news it deserves: Marie Potter recently launched TAPinto Melbourne/Melbourne Beach — our fourth site in Florida and 96th nationwide.?

That Was Fun

?It was a blast to meet with folks at KMF to chat about how we expand capacity for news organizations and ensure publishers have the technology and support that are foundational to success.?

See You Soon

If you’re looking to choose your own publishing tools from our world-class suite, including an efficient CMS and back office support from people who get it, there are two opportunities this month to join me and ask all of your questions about Hyperlocal News Network. Local Media Consortium is hosting a webinar on March 11 at noon Eastern Time, and there’s another chance to learn about HNN on March 19 at noon Eastern Time.?

If you’re searching for a network that balances independent ownership with the framework and tech needed for success, check out the TAPinto webinar on March 12 at noon Eastern Time to learn what it means to be a franchisee.

I’m thankful for the chance to meet with many thoughtful and innovative people, even if just for a?few days, to share such important work. I know we’ll continue these vital discussions on propelling our industry forward. Drop me a line anytime.