This session will unpack how hyperlocal outlets can become the most trusted information source in their communities. We’ll talk about how hyperlocal sites have built credibility and civic engagement by consistently delivering useful, verified, and deep local news, often in places underserved by traditional media.

Key Takeaways:

– Editorial guidelines and fact-checking practices for hyperlocal publishers
– Examples of how local trust leads to civic action, event participation, and brand loyalty
– The intersection of mission-driven journalism and business health

As year-end giving season approaches, now is the time to sharpen your messaging and inspire deeper support for local journalism. Join the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network to learn more about a new messaging toolkit for local news.

Created by Press Forward and using insights from national polling and message testing, this guide offers practical language and strategies to strengthen funding appeals, highlight community impact, and build lasting support. Learn how the right words can turn appreciation for your reporting into action.

Freelancers who work on a project basis have an enemy, and that enemy is scope creep. When a project balloons out of control, we can burn out and client relationships turn sour. Learn how to avoid this fate from a panel of veteran audio freelancers, sharing guidance that will come in handy for those working in any kind of medium. This discussion will cover how to negotiate a strong contract, how to manage shifting responsibilities on a project, and when to walk away.

Speakers:

• Dennis Funk, Founder and Editorial Director, Written in Air
• Isis Madrid, Co-founder, Pizza Shark
• Lushik Lotus-Lee, Atlanta-based freelance producer and editor
• Moderator: John Asante, LA-based independent producer

What does it mean for journalism to truly stand with the communities it serves? Join NENPA University and Dr. Anita Varma, a leading voice in ethical journalism and faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin, for a thought-provoking session on Solidarity Journalism — an approach that prioritizes the lived experiences of marginalized communities in the service of basic dignity.

In this webinar, Dr. Varma will share practical frameworks for journalists and editors to distinguish solidarity for basic dignity from partisanship, prioritize truth over both-sidesism, and build credibility through inclusive, justice-driven coverage. Learn how solidarity journalism can strengthen journalism’s pursuit of truth, deepen audience connection, and uphold the core mission of journalism to serve the public in an era of growing polarization and disinformation.

Perfect for reporters, editors, and newsroom leaders committed to meaningful community engagement and more equitable journalism.

In this essential workshop, discover the transformative power of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and how it redefines digital measurement for news organizations. We will delve into what truly sets GA4 apart from previous analytics platforms, exploring its event-based data model and integrated approach to understanding user behavior across different platforms and devices.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how measurement works in GA4, moving beyond traditional page views to focus on more meaningful user engagement metrics. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, you will learn how to leverage GA4’s full potential to identify trends, optimize content, enhance reader engagement, and ultimately drive your news organization forward in today’s dynamic digital landscape. This session will equip you with the knowledge and actionable insights to make data-driven decisions that foster growth and sustainability.

Note this session will not be recorded. So please plan to attend at the session date and time.

Presented by Iain Christie

With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, publishing, and tech, Iain Christie is now a Business Analyst for the Google News Initiative. Since spring 2022, he has instructed publishers in North America on leveraging Google tools for business sustainability, growing audience engagement, strengthening reader/advertising revenue, and leveraging the potential of AI.

As AI becomes more integrated into newsrooms, recent research reveals a growing trust gap between media organizations and their audiences. This gap threatens reader trust, brand reputation and may lead to legal and regulatory challenges.

To address this, the Alliance for Audited Media analyzed leading AI guidelines and collaborated with publishers to understand how they’re responsibly using AI to develop the Eight Pillars of Ethical AI Use. These guidelines are built for publishers, by publishers, and include:

• Ethical policies and bias mitigation
• Transparency and clear disclosures of AI-generated content
• Rights, permissions, and human oversight
• Fairness, privacy, training, and risk management

This session will explore the Eight Pillars and share best practices that prioritize reader trust, stakeholder confidence and alignment with industry standards.

Speakers:
– Kristina Meinig, Vice President, Market Development, Alliance for Audited Media
– Katrina Eddy, Vice President, Technology Assurance, Alliance for Audited Media