Digital Transformation Guide from the American Press Institute

February 26, 2025

API Digital Transformation Guide — Illustration by Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb

The American Press Institute’s “Digital Transformation Guide” offers a comprehensive roadmap for local news organizations striving to navigate the challenges of the modern media landscape. With the number of U.S. local newspapers dwindling from 8,891 in 2005 to 5,591 in 2024, and over 9,500 journalism professionals facing layoffs since 2021, the guide addresses the pressing need for innovative strategies to sustain and grow local journalism.

Drawing from the experiences of more than 200 local news organizations that participated in the Table Stakes Local News Transformation Program between 2015 and 2024, the guide distills proven strategies into five key areas:

Adopting a Product-Thinking Mindset: Encourages newsrooms to develop products aligned with audience needs, emphasizing continuous innovation and responsiveness.
Diversifying Revenue: Explores alternative income streams beyond traditional advertising and subscriptions, such as events, memberships, and specialized content offerings.
Practicing Engaged Journalism: Highlights the importance of building trust through active community engagement and producing journalism that reflects diverse voices and concerns.
Collaborating Internally and Externally: Advocates for breaking down silos within organizations and forming partnerships with external entities to enhance resource sharing and broaden impact.
Managing People Through Change: Provides insights into effective change management, focusing on leadership, staff development, and fostering a culture adaptable to industry shifts.

Each section of the guide includes practical resources—such as worksheets and checklists—designed to facilitate the immediate application of these strategies within news organizations. By sharing these tested approaches, the American Press Institute aims to empower local news outlets to thrive amidst ongoing industry transformations.

Judy Meyer resigns as Sun Journal executive editor

February 25, 2025

Judy Meyer, a dedicated journalist and steadfast advocate for press freedom, is stepping down as executive editor of the Sun Journal, Kennebec Journal, and Morning Sentinel. Throughout her career, Meyer has been a powerful voice for government transparency and the public’s right to know, leading impactful investigative reporting and editorial initiatives. Her leadership has strengthened local journalism in Maine, ensuring that critical issues affecting communities receive the attention they deserve.

A longtime member of the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA), Meyer has served on its board for many years and as board president in 2022. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to the industry, receiving numerous awards from NENPA and other organizations, honoring her commitment to journalistic excellence and the principles of open government, including the New England Society of News Editors Judith Vance Weld Brown Spirit of Journalism Award in 2018. Her dedication to freedom of information has made her a respected figure in regional and national press circles.

Meyer’s departure marks the end of an era for the newspapers she has guided with integrity and vision. Her impact, however, will continue to be felt in the journalists she has mentored and the policies she has influenced. As she moves on from her role, her legacy as a champion of the First Amendment and local journalism remains firmly in place.

Celebrate Student Press Freedom Day On Feb 27

February 21, 2025

Student Press Freedom Day is a national day of action dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of student journalists and advocating for their independence, free from censorship or threats to their advisers. It highlights the ongoing issue of arbitrary and unnecessary censorship and calls on elected officials to protect and restore student press freedom.

Created by the Student Press Law Center, Student Press Freedom Day provides student journalists with a platform to champion press freedom in their communities.

The eighth annual Student Press Freedom Day will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Throughout the day—and the entire month—student journalists and their supporters across the country will raise awareness about the challenges they face, celebrate their impact on schools and communities, and take action to defend their First Amendment rights.

The theme for Student Press Freedom Day 2025 is “At the Forefront”, emphasizing the essential role of student journalists in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable.

We encourage publications to run an editorial in support of Student Press Freedom Day.

To learn more and access resources, visit https://studentpressfreedom.org/.

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Free Five-Day Summer Journalism Program for One High School Junior From Each State

February 18, 2025

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is an incredible opportunity for high school juniors passionate about journalism and the First Amendment. This skill-building, network-growing, life-changing, all-expenses-paid, five-day program, hosted in Washington, D.C., is designed to inspire and support the next generation of media professionals.

Each year, 51 students—one from each state and the District of Columbia—are selected for this prestigious experience, where they engage in hands-on learning, hear from top journalists, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of a free press in a democracy.

Alumni of the program have gone on to become influential journalists including Chuck Todd, Megan Twohey, and David Fahrenthold.

Taking place June 22-27, 2025, the conference includes visits to major newsrooms, discussions with influential journalists, and interactive sessions covering the challenges and responsibilities of modern media. Students have the chance to explore journalism’s impact on society, develop their storytelling skills, and build connections with peers who share their passion for truth and free expression. The program honors the legacy of Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today, who championed bold and fearless journalism.

Beyond the conference itself, each participant receives a $1,000 college scholarship and becomes part of an extensive alumni network of over 1,500 individuals who have gone on to careers in journalism, media, and beyond. The experience doesn’t just provide professional insight—it fosters lifelong connections and a commitment to upholding the values of a free press.

Applications for the 2025 program are open until March 23, 2025, with selections announced in mid-May. If you’re a high school junior with a passion for journalism and a drive to “dream, dare, and do,” this program is a perfect stepping stone to your future.

Learn more and apply today!

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Branded Content Cash Camp applications open for sales leaders and teams

February 18, 2025

Branded content has massive revenue potential—but only if you know how to sell it.

That’s where the Branded Content Cash Camp comes in.

Thanks to funding from the Knight Foundation, a new 12-week, hands-on program has been designed to help media sales teams master pricing, pitching, and closing branded content deals. We’ll show you real-world execution, with expert coaching, proven sales tools, and a clear strategy to scale revenue.

Here’s what you get when you join Cash Camp:

Training calls with expert coaches who’ve helped media teams grow revenue nationwide including:

Shannon Kinney, Dream Local Digital
Peter Lamb, Lamb Consulting
Julia Campbell, The Branded Content Project
David Arkin, David Arkin Consulting
Jarrett Shaffer, Vuepoint Advertising
Caitlin Montoya, Vuepoint Advertising
Hands-on consulting from industry pros who know how to drive results
Access to proven sales tools and collateral to streamline your sales process
An in-person kickoff event in New York City on April 1-2, 2025, where you’ll connect with peers and industry leaders
A clear game plan to make branded content a stronger, more sustainable revenue source

Only 12 teams will be selected, so if you’re ready to turn ideas into revenue, now’s the time to apply.

The application process closes on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.

For a link to the full announcement, click here.

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NEWSWELL launches with $5 million from Knight, aims to transform local news

February 17, 2025

You’ve likely noticed a growing number of partnerships between universities and local news outlets, but a new initiative out of Arizona State University called NEWSWELL is taking this type of collaboration to the next level. The school officially launched the nonprofit last month with a $5 million investment from Knight, aiming to take news outlets and transform them into sustainable businesses by providing operational support.

NEWSWELL will provide back-end operations and business strategies to help news sites become or remain sustainable. Local journalists report the news. NEWSWELL offers the support. They don’t just want to sustain local news, they want to transform it.

As NEWSWELL Executive Director Nicole Carroll—the former editor-in-chief of USA Today—explained in Poynter, NEWSWELL will support news outlets by assisting with finance, IT, human resources, and legal services, along with expertise in audience development, membership, and advertising.

How? With a team of experts offering advice, ASU Enterprise Partners managing the back end, and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication providing student interns.

“While no student funds go to these news sites, NEWSWELL editors act as master teachers to Cronkite interns, giving students a jumpstart on their careers and providing newsrooms with an unmatched talent pipeline,” Carroll wrote.

Better Newspaper Competition Awards Notifications Are Going Out

February 14, 2025

Check your email – notifications have started going out! Congratulations to all the newspapers being recognized in the 2024 New England Better Newspaper Competition!

Winners will receive an award for placing first, second, or third in their respective categories, and the final placements will be revealed at the Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet, happening Saturday, March 29, at 6:00 PM at the Portland Regency Hotel in Portland, Maine.

This is our biggest event of the year—a night to celebrate outstanding journalism, connect with industry peers, and honor the best work across New England. Secure your tickets now and make sure your team gets the recognition they deserve!

Join Us for the 2025 New England Newspaper Convention!

The convention runs March 28-29, 2025, featuring expert-led sessions and workshops designed to help your newsroom stay ahead. We’ll be adding more details about the program to the convention website in the coming weeks!

Don’t Wait—Book Your Hotel!

Lock in the discounted rate of $199/night by March 11, 2025, before rooms sell out! This special rate cannot be extended.

Celebrate Your Team in the Program Book!

Recognize your staff and promote the extraordinary work and achievements of your organization by placing an ad in the Program Book! Your recognition increases staff morale and also supports our efforts at the convention.

If you have any questions, please email info@nenpa.com. Use the links below to find out more information. We can’t wait to celebrate with you next month!

| CONVENTION HOME | REGISTRATION | SPONSORS | HOTEL RESERVATIONS |

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2025 UNIFY Career Summit on March 1

February 14, 2025

Join Boston-area journalists for its second-annual UNIFY Career Summit, a workshop for college students from historically marginalized backgrounds seeking work in the journalism field. Together, we will empower these aspiring journalists seeking to build careers in news as they hear from recruiters and get one-on-one advice from professional journalists.

The event is seeking sponsors and volunteer journalists. Your investment allows the organizing committee to produce this event and fulfill our collective mission of supporting journalists from historically marginalized communities and improving coverage of our communities.

WHAT: UNIFY Career Summit
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025
WHERE: Bordy Theater at Emerson College, 216 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116
WHO: Boston-area students, volunteer journalists.

Organized by the New England chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the Boston Association of Black Journalists, the Asian American Journalists Association New England chapter and the Boston chapter of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.
Student attendees do not need to be members of the aforementioned organizations to participate. Registration is required.

Event timeline, March 1
11AM-12PM: Networking mixer with pizza and coffee for students, volunteers and prospective employers.
12PM-12:50PM: How to land a journalism job panel.
1PM-1:45 5PM: Freelancing panel
2PM-3PM: Meet local professional journalists who will give you feedback on your résumés and career advice.

A professional photographer will be on site to take free headshots of student journalists from 2PM-5PM.

Click here for more information about sponsoring

Click here for more information on volunteering

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Convention Congratulatory Ads

February 14, 2025

Congratulate your staff and promote the extraordinary work and achievements of your organization by placing an ad in the New England Newspaper Convention Program Book! Your support increases staff morale and also supports our efforts at the convention.

You can also honor and congratulate colleagues being inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame and the Academy of New England Journalists.

The reduced rate for these ads, $125 for an inside page, is only available to member publications, colleagues and family members. We can design your ad for a total of $175. (Industry partners and vendors can click here for information on promotional ads.)

Please complete the form below to reserve space in the Convention Program, the Hall of Fame Dinner, or the Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon book. If you have questions, please contact Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com. Space reservations are due by Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and a print-ready PDF of the ad is due by Friday, March 7, 2025.

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Christa Case Bryant has assumed the role of editor for The Christian Science Monitor

February 13, 2025

BOSTON—Christa Case Bryant has assumed the role of editor of The Christian Science Monitor. She is the second woman to hold the position in the Monitor’s 116-year history.

Ms. Bryant brings a deep love for the Monitor and its high standards for journalism, as shown through her long career at the Monitor. She has served the Monitor in a number of key editorial positions, including Jerusalem bureau chief, Middle East editor, and Europe editor. She most recently held the role of senior Congressional correspondent and deputy National News editor.

Ms. Bryant has won several distinguished awards during her more than twenty-year tenure. While reporting on Congress for the Monitor, she won The National Press Foundation’s 2022 Everett McKinley Dirksen award for distinguished reporting on Congress and the 2023 Sigma Delta Chi award for Washington Correspondence.

Ms. Bryant succeeds Mark Sappenfield, who held the role of editor for the Monitor for 8 years. Mr. Sappenfield remains at the Monitor in a senior role.

“Christa is the very best of everything that makes the Monitor unique – a deep commitment to fairness, a sense that good journalism can unite instead of divide, and a wonderful understanding of the Monitor’s connection to Christian Science,” says Mr. Sappenfield.

About The Christian Science Monitor

Founded in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, The Christian Science Monitor is an international news organization that strives for an unbiased, global approach to news. Its object is “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind.”

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