Latest E&P Exclusive Reporting

Margaret Sullivan on The Post turmoil and media's role in 2024 election

In this exclusive interview with E&P, prominent American journalist, Guardian columnist and media critic Margaret Sullivan discusses the current leadership turmoil at The Washington Post, highlighting Jeff Bezos’ decision to hire Will Lewis as the new publisher and the controversies surrounding his tenure. Sullivan also emphasizes her reshaping her Substack newsletter, “American Crisis,” to address the critical role of the media in informing the public and safeguarding democracy, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election.

Layoffs in public broadcasting: Addressing the triple threat of declining audiences, podcast glut and underwriting challenges

Hardly a week has passed this year without a layoff announcement from one public broadcaster or another: 20 positions eliminated last September at WNYC, 16 in February at WAMU, 34 in April at WNET, eight at KUOW in May — plus a round of buyouts (potentially followed by layoffs) at KQED and LAist. Nearly 150 jobs have been lost at local stations since last fall, and that's on top of the 100 positions NPR eliminated in the spring of 2023.

The challenge and promise of Press Forward: Funding the nation’s local newsrooms for the future

Data from Medill School of Journalism’s often-cited annual study, which examines the health of local news nationwide, explains the motivation for launching Press Forward last September. The initiative aims to rally major national foundations to reverse the trend of a shrinking news landscape.

Navigating the storm: The disruption of local television (Part 1)

Local television is experiencing significant changes, including the push from networks to move top shows to streaming platforms, audience declines, and the rise of free ad-supported streaming TV. These changes have resulted in a decline in retransmission fees, increased pressure to produce varied content, and a shift in revenue models. Despite these challenges, local content still has value, and local broadcasters can engage with their communities in new ways, pivot their business models, and find new revenue streams.

Closing the experience gap: Understanding Next-Gen news consumption

According to a research report co-produced by FT Strategies and Knight Lab at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, the disconnect in news consumption is growing as some publications focus on consumers they can monetize instead of building relationships with younger readers. Jeremy Gilbert, a Medill professor and Knight Chair in Digital Media Strategy, told E&P that the gap between what people want from news and what they’re getting is getting wider.

Adapting your newsroom to the new era of audience-driven economics

In the past, local newspapers dominated the local news ecosystem with large teams creating the most content. However, today, newsroom size is not necessarily associated with making more money. Being profitable and raising money is a challenge, but carving out distinctive beats may be a path to financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.

When war abroad comes to campus: Student media meets the moment with on-the-ground coverage of protests

As tensions over international conflicts boil, student journalists at prominent universities like Columbia, Arizona State, and Syracuse take to the front lines, documenting campus protests with fearless dedication. This E&P exclusive reporting captures the passion and complexity of today's youth activism amid a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil.

Artificial Intelligence is stealthily altering how news is made and how the public finds information

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving both a blessing and a bane for news publishers. On the one hand, generative AI technologies promise productivity gains for newsrooms when used responsibly and transparently. However, it also has the potential to create a minefield of misinformation for the public and for journalists to navigate.

Detroit Public TV rebrands as Detroit PBS, announces return to Detroit location

In a move signaling a “renewed commitment to the heart of its community,” Detroit Public TV announced its relocation back to the city of Detroit and a rebranding as Detroit PBS. This significant shift underscores the organization's dedication to serving Southeast Michigan with unparalleled quality, trust, and fairness in media.

Latest Industry Headlines

Chicago Public Media unions seek CEO’s immediate ouster amid a no-confidence vote

Unions for the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ criticized Matt Moog, who announced he planned to leave last year but later oversaw layoffs.

CPB awards $936,000 grant to fund Alaska Desk journalism collaboration

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has awarded a $936,000 grant to Alaska Public Media to lead the Alaska Desk, a statewide collaboration among public media stations, designed to strengthen and expand their local news services, particularly for rural communities.

CPB seeks lead station for Civic Spark initiative

The window for proposals for a public media station to lead the Corporation for Public Broadcasters’ (CPB) Civic Spark initiative is open through July 12.

PBS CEO Paula Kerger sends email announcing strategic layoffs for future stability

In a recent communication to local station general managers, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger outlined significant organizational changes aimed at maintaining fiscal stability and operational efficiency amidst ongoing economic instability and disruptions in the media landscape. The email, dated June 11, detailed staff reductions and the elimination of vacant positions as part of a broader strategy to align spending with recurring revenue and invest in areas with the greatest growth potential.

'Neither feast nor famine': In 2023, nonprofit news continued to grow — but the audience picture is more complicated

While the sector is still growing, that growth is slowing, by some metrics. And audience data for 2023 shows that across all outlets surveyed, average monthly web traffic fell.

NAB objects to FCC employment data practices

The National Association of Broadcasters has objected to an FCC plan to start making data on individual TV and radio stations’ workforces public.

Oregon Public Broadcasting names CNN digital leader Rachel Smolkin as new chief executive

At a time of media consolidations, belt-tightening in public media and an industry-wide struggle to find sufficient revenue from online platforms, OPB’s volunteer governing board has named Rachel Smolkin, a senior vice president at CNN, its next chief executive officer.

WBEZ union files labor complaint against Chicago Public Media

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing WBEZ journalists, this week filed a federal unfair labor practice charge against parent company Chicago Public Media, alleging the company failed to provide information needed "to represent members and enforce the union contract."

Jac Venza, who delivered culture to public television, dies at 97

By making entertainment as well as education part of its mission, he gave the world “Great Performances” and other enduring programs.

GBH names Dan Lothian editor in chief, GBH News and The World

Boston public media producer GBH has named Dan Lothian to the newly created role of editor in chief, GBH News and The World.

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Local Media Association and Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association partner to create fundraising lab

In a groundbreaking move to bolster local journalism across Pennsylvania, the Local Media Association (LMA) and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) have joined forces to launch the Pennsylvania Fundraising Lab. This innovative partnership aims to equip publishers with the essential skills and strategies needed to secure philanthropic funding for reporting projects. E&P speaks with Frank Mungeam, LMA chief innovation officer, and Bill Cotter, PNA president about the initiative and how news media outlets can learn how to tap into these funds.

Checking in with the Chicago Sun-Times/ Public Media merger.

In this episode of E&P Reports, we check in with Chicago Public Media, owners of PBS affiliate WBEZ, to find out how their 2022 acquisition of the 149-year-old Chicago Sun-Times is going. Appearing on the program are Jennifer Kho, executive editor for the newspaper and Tracy Brown, chief content officer for the parent company, who discuss their new initiatives, collaborative efforts and how the blending of these two major market brands is working to expand their audience.

New York State implements historic tax credits to support local newspaper and broadcast news media

In a historic development, New York State has approved a budget allocating $90 million in tax credits to support local journalism. Spearheading the advocacy were the over 200 news publishing members of the Empire State Local News Coalition. This exclusive interview with newspaper executive and coalition founder Zack Richner along with Rebuild Local News founder Steven Waldman, sheds light on the legislation's journey from bill to law. They also offer insights on how this single passage could spark similar initiatives nationwide.

Addressing America's Divides: The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s newest chapter

Join us for this episode of 'E&P Reports' as we delve into The Chronicle of Philanthropy's groundbreaking initiative led by senior editor Drew Lindsay. Discover how their innovative online platform, 'The Commons,' is poised to tackle America's deep divides head-on. From political polarization to socio-economic disparities, explore how The Chronicle is fostering dialogue and understanding in an era of increasing division and uncertainty.

Understanding the skills necessary to lead the newsrooms of tomorrow

In this episode of “E&P Reports” we chat with Laura Krantz McNeill who interviewed several news media executives, resulting in a published a study for the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. The study outlines a list of essential skills necessary to lead the newsrooms of tomorrow.

Latest #NewsPeople on the move

USA TODAY Editor-in-Chief Terence Samuel leaves Gannett after one year

Superior Telegram, Pine Journal welcome new editor