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

» The narrative around local journalism is slowly shifting

» Alden fails in bid for Dallas Morning News

» National Trust is “hitting reset”

» Local business journalism fellowship open for applicants

» Journalism professors should report on their state

💡 The narrative around local journalism is slowly shifting

Despite all of the doom and gloom surrounding the local news industry over the past decades, there are signs of that narrative shifting. From articles about local media properties being undervalued assets, to growing interest from operators of podcasts and newsletters outside of the ecosystem, it’s clear that people are waking up to the fact that local news isn’t dead.

📰 Alden fails in bid for Dallas Morning News

In a victory against vampiric private equity firm Alden Global Capital, the board of the Dallas Morning News rejected its rival bid, reaffirming its commitment to a deal with Hearst. The paper’s controlling shareholder, a 4th‑generation member of the founding family, also pledged never to support a sale to Alden and enacted a poison pill to block further share accumulation.

🛠️ National Trust is “hitting reset”

The National Trust for Local News, facing leadership changes and missteps in recent months, says it is “hitting reset” under new CEO Tom Wiley. The Trust’s new strategy will shift from rapid acquisition to refining operations and rebuilding trust.

💡 Local business journalism fellowship open for applicants

The National Press Foundation is running a 4 day expenses paid business journalism training in September for 35 US based journalists. The training will include talks from “economists, small business owners and other top experts to dive into the business infrastructure across America today”. The NPF will cover airfare, hotel costs and some meals. Interested parties can apply here.

✍️ Journalism professors should report on their state

Colorado journalism professor Corey Hutchins writes an excellent weekly newsletter called Inside the News in Colorado where he reports on the Colorado media scene. Now he’s encouraging other professors nationwide to follow his lead and both teach and report on their own state’s media ecosystems.

Post your job or event for free: Your job or event will be listed for free in the newsletter for up to 30 days. We do ask that the listing pertain to the local news industry or be closely related. To get started just click the link below.

Small Press, Big Ideas

A podcast about the business of local news

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS

Partnering with Local Micro Influencers

The Small Press, Big Ideas podcast is back for the start of season 4!

On the first episode I was joined by Halle Stockton, Jennie Ewing Liska, and Natasha Khan Vicens from nonprofit newsroom Pittsburgh's Public Source to talk about their work partnering with local “micro-influencers” to reach new audiences.

Our conversation explores how the idea to work with local content creators came about, how they identified and vetted partners to work with, and why the term “micro-influencer” doesn’t quite capture the value these partners bring.

We also talked about lessons learned from both successful and stalled partnerships, examples of collaborations, and their strategy for balancing reach, community trust, and sustainable funding.

Have a listen now on your podcast app of choice! | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎵 Spotify

More Stories

⏩ Charge dropped against NJ reporter

⏩ The tragedy of local news hits the stage in ‘The Last American Newspaper’

⏩ A bold new approach to local news in Pennsylvania

⏩ Lansing alt-weekly newspaper City Pulse sells to new media investment group

⏩ This Cleveland news site beats major cities in audience size and Harvard just noticed

⏩ CPB prepares for closeout while hoping Congress reverses course

⏩ Nonprofit increasing Latino coverage in Idaho newsrooms gets largest grant yet

⏩ Here's how a local newspaper is defying industry odds despite print media slump

⏩ Detroit Free Press to Offer Buyouts Again In Money Saving Measure

⏩ ‘Their goal is to preserve local journalism’: City Pulse founder discusses sale of longtime local paper

⏩ Proposed Pennsylvania legislation would beef up local news in areas lacking sufficient coverage