💡 One percent to fund local news

Hello! Here’s what’s in this week’s issue:

» One percent to fund local news

» Lessons from LION’s Wichita audits

» Enough with the notifications

» What works? “Local, baby.”

» Local journalism’s vital role when disaster strikes

» A new app could help journalists make the leap to vertical video

» Google invests in American Journalism Project

» Is digital out of home a missed market for local publishers?

💡 One percent to fund local news

The Media Power Collaborative recently hosted a webinar on their proposal for a 1% tax on digital ad revenue from Big Tech to create steady funding for hyperlocal and community focused journalism. Advocates argue this small levy could redirect money from platforms profiting off public attention into local news services. Read more here

🦁 Lessons from LION’s Wichita audits

LION Publishers Executive Director Chris Krewson explores the impact of the Wichita Foundation’s Sustainability Audits, first piloted in August 2024 with four local news businesses. The program delivered insights on operational strengths and areas for growth, helping publishers make smarter decisions on their path to sustainability.

📴 Enough with the notifications

The recent Reuters digital news report shows evidence that publishers may be sending out too many notifications to mobile apps. The study shows a sharp rise in “alert fatigue”, with some users getting up to 50 news notifications daily. This has prompted 43% of non alert followers to disable notifications due to frequency and irrelevance. Read more here

📍 What works? “Local, baby.”

E&P’s Mike Blinder recently interviewed Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw, who emphasizes that doubling down on hyperlocal content, personal relationships, and a “service first” sales approach is what sustains legacy media in 2025. Warshaw, whose mantra is “Local, baby,” argues that a strong community presence builds both trust and profitability for local publishers.

🔥 Local journalism’s vital role when disaster strikes

A panel of experts recently spoke about how local and indie outlets played a vital role covering January’s LA wildfires, leveraging platforms like Watch Duty, TikTok, and Facebook to inform communities when mainstream media focused on headlines.

🎥 A new app could help journalists make the leap to vertical video

Nieman Lab reports on a new app that is designed to help traditional prose journalists convert their written stories into polished vertical video scripts ready for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts by automating the rewrite and editing process using AI. Sophiana claims to give storytellers “the building blocks” to adapt confidently without losing their unique voice.

💲 Google invests in American Journalism Project

Google has committed to investing in the AJP to enhance the reach and sustainability of nonprofit local news outlets across the US. The investment will further fund digital marketing initiatives, audience growth strategies, and community grantmaking through the Knight Resiliency Lab. The amount of the new investment was not disclosed.

📈 Is digital out of home a missed market for local publishers?

Guy Tasaka argues that local media companies are missing a big opportunity: Digital Out‑of‑Home (DOOH) ads, like digital billboards and screens in public spaces, are booming, yet few local outlets are tapping this growing revenue stream. Have a listen to my conversation with Laurie Sigillito for an example of a model she’s pioneering in the DOOH space in rural Colorado.

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Local Stories

⏩ Oregon bill requiring big tech companies to pay local newsrooms fails in Senate

⏩ Minnesota’s Sahan Journal dives into AI with strategic goals and open eyes

⏩ Local News is Important to Public Health: Why NJ Must Restore Funding for The NJ Civic Information Consortium

⏩ Support Local Journalism: Become a Title Sponsor for The Journal 425

⏩ Manitoba Launches Public Consultations on Local Journalism

⏩ Erin Thompson to serve as regional editor for Alaska community publications

⏩ Our cofounders reflect on their decision to fight for local news

⏩ Former Juneau Empire editor launches new, local online newspaper