The New England Newspaper and Press Association assisted with Radically Rural’s community journalism program run by The Keene Sentinel on Sept. 22-23.
Each year, the Radically Rural summit brings together experts to share ideas and network with attendees on topics of importance to small communities. The tracks include community journalism, rural health care, clean energy, land use, downtowns, entrepreneurship, and arts and culture.
The journalism sessions focused on building trust for local news, tapping philanthropy to support newsrooms, and tech and techniques that can help journalists do a better job, including investigative tools.
The event was staged in-person and online. Overall, Radically Rural attracted 457 registrants from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The journalism sessions drew 86 registrants from 27 states. A Knight Foundation sponsorship allowed 30 journalists to attend at no cost, and, of those who registered, 56 came from communities of less than 25,000 population.
Terrence Williams, president, and COO of The Sentinel thanked NENPA for its marketing support. Each year, NENPA members can attend Radically Rural at a discount.
“One of the wonderful aspects of belonging to NENPA is the staff’s willingness to help advance the cause of journalism in any manner possible,” Williams said. “The organization’s connections to the journalism community, not just in New England, but through associations throughout the country is an invaluable resource.”
Chris Zoeller has worked in the newspaper industry for over 23 years, and as a part of The Post and Courier for the past 16 years. As the Chief Marketing and Opportunity Officer, she oversees marketing and the evolving role it plays in growing audience and revenue. Chris also leads the event division where The Post and Courier produces smaller scale B2B and B2C events around content pillars, large expos and recently a new Bicycle Across South Carolina event and Steeplechase of Charleston. She uses her past experience and creative mind to see beyond what’s in front of her to create the best results for her team, both based on finances and marketability. In Chris’ free time you’ll probably find her snapping an instagram pic at the newest restaurant in town, while spending quality time with her family and friends.
Tanisha Leonard is the president of RTM360°, a cultural marketing firm that creates unique communications programs geared towards the African American community. In addition to the day-to-day management of RTM360° Tanisha is a key member of the executive team for RTM360’s parent company, Real Times Media, driving business growth via the development of custom marketing programs and partnership opportunities related to its six flagship brands— Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, the Atlanta Daily World, Who’s Who In Black, the Chicago Defender, the Michigan Chronicle, and the New Pittsburgh Courier. She also serves on the board of directors of the Local Media Foundation.
Dave Nordman is executive editor of the Telegram & Gazette, MetroWest Daily News, Milford Daily News, Gardner News, Worcester Magazine, baystateparent and Worcester Living.