Small Press, Big Ideas

Today Paul sits down with Jill Manuel, founder of JCat Group and creator of the Trust Shift newsletter, to explore how trust in media is evolving, and what local newsrooms must do to stay relevant. With over two decades in national and local news, Jill brings deep insight into the seismic shifts reshaping journalism in the age of vertical video, TikTok, and creator led storytelling. Links: The Tru...

In this episode, Paul welcomes Ben Jacobs, Editor and Associate Publisher at BridgeTower Media, for a deep dive into the evolution of local business journalism, the unique challenges of leadership in media, and how AI is reshaping news operations. Links: BridgeTower Media https://bridgetowermedia.com/ Benjamin Jacobs - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjacobsroch/ --- This podcast is sponsored...

Today Paul sits down with Alisa Cromer, a veteran journalist and the force behind NichePublisher.biz, to explore the shifting landscape of local and niche media. Alisa shares lessons from selling alt weeklies for millions, insights from decades of media evolution, and practical strategies for thriving today. Links: NichePublisher.biz https://www.nichepublisher.biz/ Alisa Cromer - LinkedIn https://...

In this episode, Christina Lords shares her path from reluctant journalism student to leading one of Idaho’s most impactful nonprofit newsrooms. As Editor-in-Chief of the Idaho Capital Sun, Christina offers a candid look at what it means to cover state politics in the often overlooked Mountain West, and why it matters now more than ever. Links: Idaho Capital Sun https://idahocapitalsun.com/ States...

Today Paul sits down with Kristen Go, Editor-in-Chief at CalMatters. Kristen talks about her story in local media and Digital Democracy, CalMatters’ ambitious transparency tool that aggregates California legislative data: bills, hearings, transcripts, lobbying money, and more, and makes it searchable and actionable. Links: CalMatters https://calmatters.org/ Digital Democracy https://calmatters.dig...

In this episode, Paul talks with Michael Phillips, the founding editor of The Richmonder, a nonprofit news outlet based in Richmond, VA. Michael shares his journey from sportswriter to civic watchdog, the challenges of launching a nonprofit newsroom, and how The Richmonder is rekindling local media engagement. From covering City Council meetings no one else would to building trust one newsletter a...

In this episode, Paul sits down with David Gehring, co-founder and CEO of Distributed Media Lab, to explore how innovative distribution models can revitalize local journalism. David shares his journey from enterprise software to news partnerships at Google, and eventually to launching a platform that empowers local publishers to share content, grow revenue, and maintain editorial independence. Lin...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Leigh Munsil, Editor in Chief of the San Antonio Report, a nonprofit, hyperlocal newsroom. Leigh shares her journey from national media powerhouses like Politico and CNN to leading a local newsroom in one of America's fastest growing cities. She reflects on the contrasts between national and community journalism, and why local newsrooms might hold the key to the...

In this episode, Paul dives deep with media futurist Gordon Borrell to dissect the real state of local news. From outdated economic models and lack of R&D investment to missed opportunities in storytelling for local businesses, Gordon argues that reinvention is not just possible, but critical. Gordon gives examples of local innovation, why AI is the next big media disruptor, and how local news can...

In this episode, Paul speaks with Elizabeth Hamilton about her deep roots in Connecticut journalism and how her passion for investigative reporting helped shape the evolution of the Connecticut Mirror (CT Mirror). Links: CT Mirror https://ctmirror.org/ Elizabeth Hamilton - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-hamilton-b33517153/ --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this eye opening episode, Paul is joined by Dr. Augustine Fou, cybersecurity and digital ad fraud expert, founder of FouAnalytics, and longtime digital marketing veteran. Dr Fou dissects the shadowy underbelly of programmatic advertising and how it’s been siphoning money from quality publishers, especially local news outlets, for over a decade. Links: Dr. Augustine Fou - LinkedIn https://www.li...

In this episode, Paul speaks with Randy Picht, Executive Director of the Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI), and Leah Becerra, Product Director at RJI, about their newly launched initiative: the News Media Help Desk. This collaborative project between RJI and the Local Media Consortium (LMC) aims to become a one stop digital support hub for local newsrooms, offering guidance, resources, and hands...

Johnny Levy returns to the show for a deep dive into Data Joe, a 20+ year-old company serving local media through data-centric products. Johnny shares the company's evolution from SaaS platform to full-service research partner, the ethos of "partnership" that drives the business, and why adaptability has been key to their longevity. Links: DataJoe https://datajoe.com/ People of Media https://peopl...

In this episode, journalist and publisher Steve Puterski shares his journey through local media from covering high school sports in small town Colorado to founding North County Pipeline, a Substack based local news outlet in San Diego’s North County. Links: North County Pipeline https://ncpipeline.substack.com/ Steve Puterski - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-puterski/ NC Pipeline socia...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Stephanie Schroeder, Chief Revenue Officer at Forum Communications, a family-owned media company with over 25 newspaper and digital titles across the Upper Midwest. Stephanie shares her journey into local media, and how she's helped lead Forum through a digital transformation surpassing 100,000 digital subscribers. Links: Stephanie Schroeder - LinkedIn Forum Comm...

Today Paul sits down with Gary Boulanger, Editor-in-Chief of the Silicon Valley Business Journal, to trace his winding career path from aspiring cartoonist in Wisconsin to leader of one of the Bay Area’s most important local newsrooms. Links: Gary Boulanger - LinkedIn Silicon Valley Business Journal Motorcycles Are Drugs Podcast --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, helping...

Today Paul speaks with with Ed Arnold, Editor in Chief of the San Antonio Business Journal, about his unexpected path into journalism, the philosophy behind business reporting, and the changing landscape of local media. Links: San Antonio Business Journal Ed Arnold - LinkedIn Reach out to Ed: earnold@bizjournals.com American City Business Journals --- This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LocalPod....

Michael Shapiro returns to the podcast to discuss the rapid evolution of TAPinto and the Hyperlocal News Network. In this update packed episode, Michael outlines the new features they've rolled out, including innovative tools for local businesses, political advocacy, and public entities. Links: Michael Shapiro - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmshapiro/ TAPinto: https://tapinto.net/ H...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Audrey Blumberg, a veteran local journalist and publisher of The BReeze, The CHronicle, and franchisee of two TAPinto news sites in New Jersey. They discuss the operational side of running hyperlocal media outlets, the importance of boots on the ground journalism, and why Audrey's still bullish on print. Links: The BReeze https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewat...

In this episode, Paul talks with Sarabeth Berman who shares her unexpected path from performing arts in China to leading a national movement to revitalize local news. She discusses how the American Journalism Project (AJP) is confronting the collapse of the traditional newspaper business model by investing in nonprofit newsrooms across the US. Links: American Journalism Project https://www.theajp....

Today Paul sits down with Justin Gordon, founder of The LA Grind, a rapidly growing local media and events company focused on LA's startup scene. Justin shares the origin story of The LA Grind: how his background in venture capital, newsletters, and podcasting led him to launch a media meets events company for LA’s entrepreneurial community. Justin brings tons of value for local media startups as...

In this episode, Paul chats with Joe Coughlin, co-founder and Editor in Chief of The Record North Shore, a nonprofit news outlet serving Chicago’s northern suburbs. Joe shares the journey from legacy local journalism at 22nd Century Media to launching an independent, community focused newsroom during the pandemic. Links: The Record North Shore joe@therecordns.org Joe Coughlin - X/Twitter --- This...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Mike Gyi, founder of TownSpot, a hyperlocal events platform born from a passion for place making, social impact, and uncovering hidden gems in your own backyard. From his architecture roots to building tech with social purpose, Mike shares the story behind TownSpot: a digital calendar that aims to rewire how we engage with our communities. Links: Townspot.co Mi...

Today on the show Paul Myers explains how Mineral King Publishing is confronting the crisis in local journalism by rethinking the business model. Traditional advertising and subscriptions no longer cut it and AI is both a threat and a tool. With Lantern AI, Paul aims to turn high value local reporting into products for businesses (like developers and entrepreneurs) who need timely, local insights....

In this episode, Paul talks with TJ Larkin, the publisher behind Larkin Media and the creator of 14 hyperlocal newsletters (and counting). TJ shares his unexpected journey from a family insurance business to becoming a driving force in the revival of community driven media. They explore why email newsletters are uniquely powerful for local engagement, TJ's data driven growth and monetization strat...