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

» The YouTubification of local news

» Local editor pilot program launching in Indy

» Is it time to think about prompting for media sales teams?

» Student journalism steps in to back up local news

» UK local media industry bashes new government proposal

» Local nonprofit news is growing strong

📹 The YouTubification of local news

According to TV News Check, local news outlets are starting to adopt YouTuber style storytelling: jump cuts, raw on camera moments, and a more informal tone, to boost engagement and reach younger audiences. They’re also considering rethinking business models: producing content first for YouTube, optimizing for click through rates, and then repackaging for other platforms.

📰 Local editor pilot program launching in Indy

Poynter is launching a pilot public editor project in Indianapolis to act as a bridge between local newsrooms and their audiences offering independent analysis, accountability, and transparency in how news is made. The Indianapolis Public Editor will publish columns in partner outlets (Indiana Capital Chronicle, Mirror Indy, WFYI), host public events, and field questions from residents with the goal of enhancing journalism trust and media literacy in the Indy region.

💼 Is it time to think about prompting for media sales teams?

The article from E&P argues that media sales professionals should stop improvising and instead adopt deliberate “prompting” strategies for AI tools to craft sharper pitches, tailored offers, and smarter proposals. It outlines a hands on playbook approach, advising clear prompt structures, iterative refinement, and blending human insight with AI output to boost sales effectiveness in the evolving media marketplace.

🎓 Student journalism steps in to back up local news

When local news outlets fade, student journalists across the US are stepping in to fill the gap by reporting on school boards, city councils, and neighborhood issues despite limited resources, training, and institutional support. This report out of California shows a few examples of how they provide a vital civic service while navigating challenges like burnout, funding instability, and limited audience reach.

🏛️ UK local media industry bashes new government proposal

The UK government is proposing to remove the requirement for printed public notices (such as alcohol licensing announcements) in local newspapers, arguing that it’s outdated and burdensome. Editors and press organizations warn this move would hurt transparency, cut a vital revenue stream for local journalism, and “disenfranchise communities.”

💪 Local nonprofit news is growing strong

The INN released its 2025 Institute of Nonprofit News Index last week, which shows that nonprofit news is thriving, especially locally, with most outlets growing revenue and only a few facing major losses. The sector is pulling in more philanthropic and earned income, signaling real momentum for sustainable local journalism. Read more

Small Press, Big Ideas

A podcast about the business of local news

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS

Insurance to inbox and the "media mullet" model

What happens when a former insurance guy with a brain for business and a flair for newsletters dives headfirst into local media? You get TJ Larkin, founder of Larkin Media and the man behind 14 hyperlocal newsletters (and counting).

In this week’s episode of the podcast, TJ breaks down the “media mullet” model: news in the front, business in the back. We talk acquisition tactics, monetization strategies, and why local newsletters might be the most overlooked marketing engine in your town.

Whether you're a journalist, entrepreneur, or newsletter nerd, TJ brings fresh thinking to an industry ripe for reinvention. He shares how he’s building scalable, high engagement media businesses powered by smart content and low cost growth.

We also dig into the early days, real world challenges, and his new project Inbox Famous which aims to help high LTV business owners do the same.

More Stories

⏩ Deep South Today to launch regional investigative reporting center in collaboration with The New York Times

⏩ Free course helps journalists build sustainable nonprofit newsrooms

⏩ The New York Sun revives print edition

⏩ How to spot trustworthy local news — and know when it’s not

⏩ Is citizen journalism a threat or a complement to traditional reporting?

⏩ We partnered with AI-powered answer engine Perplexity – here's why it matters for local news

⏩ Generative AI and news report 2025: How people think about AI’s role in journalism and society

⏩ Los Angeles Times Journalists Authorize a Strike

⏩ Illinois Press Association CEO Resigns After Dispute Over ICE Lawsuit

⏩ The Iowa-based owner of 75 hometown newspapers is in pain. That hurts communities

⏩ Nonprofit local news is growing, but the revenue mix remains unbalanced, according to a new INN report

⏩ Medill announces new Local News Initiative Fellowships for journalism graduate students

⏩ Chicago Public Media and Chicago Reader launch six-month local media sales and sponsorship pilot