Colorado Press Association

11/12/2024

🚀 Episode 46 of Local News Matters Podcast with Jim O'Rourke is out.

The CEO and founder of O'Rourke Media Group shares with host Tim Regan-Porter his journey in local media, from delivering newspapers as a kid to founding a rapidly growing digital-first publishing chain. O'Rourke discusses his approach to acquiring and revitalizing local newspapers, investing in local talent and growing the digital business. He outlines the strategic choices that have guided O'Rourke Media’s success, including his firm stance against paywalls and his commitment to community-focused journalism and sales.

In the face of industry pressures, O'Rourke explains why he values small and midsize markets and how he's developed O'Rourke Media Group’s sustainable model by prioritizing advertiser relationships, high-quality local reporting, and new digital revenue streams. He discusses his philosophy on embracing sponsored content as a core revenue source while carefully navigating editorial integrity—a delicate balance that he believes is essential for the future of local news.

O'Rourke also explores his renewed investment in print, noting the value print editions hold for both advertisers and local audiences. Reflecting on key lessons learned, he details his experiences working under Berkshire Hathaway, why he finds potential in digital agency services, and his vision for the future, including expanding into more communities and a possible employee ownership model.

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11/01/2024

🚀 Episode 45 of Local News Matters Podcast with the authors of “Reviving Rural News” is out.

Teri Finneman (KU William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications), Nick Mathews (Missouri School of Journalism) and Pat Ferrucci (CU Boulder College of Media, Communication and Information) talk with host Tim Regan-Porter about the unique challenges facing rural newspapers in the wake of the local news industry's financial crisis. They discuss their yearlong experiment with a Kansas newspaper, offering insights into how small community-based outlets can diversify revenue streams and reconnect with their readers. The conversation highlights the disconnect between traditional business models and the needs of both rural publishers and their audiences.

The guests also touch on the psychological and organizational barriers that hinder innovation in local newsrooms. From reluctance to explore new revenue sources like philanthropy to the ongoing devaluation of journalism, they offer candid perspectives on why rural news must evolve to survive. Key takeaways include lessons on pricing, the power of e-newsletters and the role of newspapers as vital community institutions.

With practical examples from their case study in Kansas, the discussion reveals how local publishers can take small but significant steps to adapt their business models and better serve their communities.

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10/23/2024

🚀 Episode 44 of Local News Matters Podcast with Nicholas Dawes of THE CITY NY is out.

The executive director of THE CITY talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about the vital role the outlet plays in New York’s shrinking local news ecosystem. He explains how his organization fills coverage gaps left by retrenching legacy media, focusing on investigative reporting and service journalism to meet the needs of New Yorkers across all boroughs.

Dawes also delves into THE CITY’s unique strategies for community engagement, including open newsrooms and dynamic beat assignments, allowing them to stay responsive to the city's most pressing issues. He highlights how their mission-driven approach prioritizes impact over viral traffic, balancing coverage for both affluent media-savvy readers and underserved communities.

On the business side, Dawes shares insights on nonprofit journalism’s financial sustainability, from leveraging philanthropy and membership to navigating New York’s competitive fundraising environment. He reflects on his transition from large global organizations to a leaner, more focused newsroom, where the immediacy of local impact offers both challenges and rewards.

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10/16/2024

Congratulations to all of the Colorado recipients of the first Press Forward grants!

Alamosa Citizen, Asian Avenue magazine, The Sentinel, El Comercio de Colorado, KVNF Mountain Grown Public Radio, Ouraynews.com, San Miguel Basin Forum, The Sopris Sun, World Journal

Two hundred and five small local news outlets - including one in every U.S. state - will receive a share of $20 million to close persistent coverage gaps in their communities, thanks to funding from Press Forward.

09/13/2024

🚀Episode 39 of Local News Matters Podcast with Jim Brady of Knight Foundation is out.

The vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation talks with host Tim Regan-Porter about the current state of local journalism and the quest for sustainability. He discusses Press Forward, a $500 million-plus national initiative aimed at supporting local news. Drawing on his extensive experience in digital media, Jim reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing local news outlets today, with an optimistic view of how new technologies and business models can help them thrive.

He also emphasizes the role of philanthropy in creating a stronger, more resilient local news ecosystem. From increasing audience engagement to reducing operational costs, Jim explores how local journalism can adapt to the evolving media landscape. He also touches on the importance of rebuilding trust with audiences and the need to reconnect local news with community needs.

Throughout the conversation, Jim highlights how local news plays a vital role in a functioning democracy, advocating for a collective effort to ensure its future. Whether through innovative startups or legacy media adapting to new realities, the future of local journalism hinges on collaboration and creativity.

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09/04/2024

Congratulations to Sandra Fish of The Colorado Sun on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 1st Amendment Award presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

09/04/2024

Congratulations to Charlie Brennan of Daily Camera on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 News Leader Award presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

09/04/2024

Congratulations to Christian Vanek of The Mountain-Ear on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 Innovation Award presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

09/04/2024

Congratulations to Bella Biodini of Gunnison Country Times on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 Rising Star Award presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to Yellow Scene Magazine on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for General Excellence (Class 8), Excellence in Advertising (Class 8), and Excellence in Editorial (Class 8)presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to World Journal on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for General Excellence (Class 7), Excellence in Editorial (Class 7), and Excellence in Photo & Design (Class 7)presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to Vail Daily on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for General Excellence (Class 2), and Excellence in Editorial (Class 2) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to The Villager Newspaper on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for Excellence in Advertising (Class 7) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to The Southern Ute-Drum on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for Excellence in Photo & Design (Class 8) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to The Mountain-Ear on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for General Excellence (Class 6), and Excellence in Mixed Media (Class 6) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to The Daily Sentinel of Grand Junction on winning the Colorado Press Association 's 2023 award for Excellence in Mixed Media (Class 2) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to The Gazette on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for Excellence in Advertising (Class 3) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.

08/30/2024

Congratulations to The Durango Herald on winning the Colorado Press Association's 2023 award for Excellence in Photo & Design (Class 2) presented at the 149th Annual CPA Convention last week.