Julia Campbell has a fantastic title; Chief Business Transformation Officer just sounds cool. You might think she's a "robot in disguise", or you could just think the Local Media Association executive has one of those jobs where she gets to play with all the new toys and work with members to establish innovative and sustainable systems for their news organizations. One of those—the latter, of course—is actually correct. In this episode, Julia sits down with host Nick Parker to talk about… Ep. 45: Julia Campbell on LMA labs and the power of cause marketing
The News Nirvana Podcast
Host Nick Parker speaks with the visionaries and thought leaders who are transforming the way news is created, distributed, and monetized. The News Nirvana Podcast looks to uncover what content is most engaging, how modern technologies are changing news consumption, and how news organizations are reshaping their business models for tomorrow . . . and beyond.
Episodes
Let's get back to our roots. It's not that the phrase is almost a cliche, it is a cliche. But here's the thing about cliches—they exist because they're true. So, whether it's going back to their roots or getting back to basics, Orestes Baez and Scott Davis are committed to a personal and hyper-local approach that has brought new life to a national niche publication, TravelHost. Just 18 months after taking over the print and digital publication, Baez and Davis join News Nirvana host Nick … Ep. 44: Hyper-local content & personal connections at the heart of TravelHost's renaissance
Join host Nick Parker in a riveting conversation with veteran journalist Mike Reilley as they delve into the behind-the-scenes tales of newsrooms past and the essential tools every journalist needs in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. From swapping stories to unveiling the secrets behind Reilley's popular Journalist's Toolbox, this episode offers insights for both seasoned reporters and aspiring journalists alike. Discover how Reilley's journey from reporter to educator has shape… Ep. 43: Unveiling journalistic tricks & tools for today's reporters
Ask Tobias Bennett what excites him about the media industry and you'll get the same answer every time—it's the unknown. Bennett, VP of Partnerships and Revenue, and Fran Wills, CEO, for Local Media Consortium join host Nick Parker for a look into the current state of the news industry, and how their association helps member organizations traverse the ever-changing landscape and embrace what comes next. Ep. 42: Leveraging the power of the collective
Veteran editor and digital news guru Bob Rose joins host Nick Parker on this latest episode of the News Nirvana Podcast. Their in-depth conversation focuses on rebuilding trust and fostering partnerships with the communities we cover. The episode also explores the importance of aligning our content with both our varied modes of delivery and with the business partners we look to for continued revenue. Ep. 41: Aligning your local media organization with your purpose
Host Nick Parker and producer Cherry Wolf take a look back at the 2023 season of the News Nirvana podcast reflecting on some favorite episodes, why the show is important to them, and some guests they're looking forward to in 2024. Ep. 40: Where did we come from, where do we go?
Industry expert Gordon Borrell joins host Nick Parker to discuss the evolving relationship between editorial and business. The two explore challenges faced by media outlets when adapting to the ever-changing advertising trends all while maintaining impactful news coverage. Reflecting on past revenue models versus modern equivalents, Borrell offers valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of news media. Ep. 39: Balancing journalism with the business of supporting it
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, Jared Frank from KHQ-TV and Josh Kidd from Block Communications join host Nick Parker to explore the challenges we may face adopting a digital-first mindset. The conversation delves into content repurposing strategies, the immediate impact of digital channels, and the importance of owning digital spaces amid social media's uncertain future. Listen as they navigate the evolving digital landscape and strategies in media and broadcasting. Ep. 38: Navigating the shift to digital-first
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker engages in a conversation with Sean Evans, Director of OTT and Video at BLOX Digital. Together, they explore the dynamic realm of digital video, shedding light on platforms, audience growth strategies, and revenue maximization. Sean’s transition from a software development background to the world of broadcast news is a compelling example of our industry's adaptability. From clarifying essential terms like FAST channel and OTT … Ep. 37: Unlocking the digital video landscape with Sean Evans
David Arkin returns to the podcast to talk about working with news organizations to understand and embrace branded content campaigns—and the new revenue streams that come with it. Ep. 36: Embracing branded content campaigns
Join host Nick Parker for the newest episode of the News Nirvana podcast as he welcomes Lori Flowers, Manager of Integrated Marketing at Radio One. In this episode, Lori and Nick explore innovative approaches to marketing partnerships and delve into the power of sponsored content, which not only captivates and retains audiences but also amplifies revenue streams. Tune in now for invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of marketing. Ep. 35: The power of partnerships, shared audiences, and sponsored content
Steven Chappell and Matt Bird-Meyer continue their conversation with host Nick Parker on college media and how best to prepare student journalists to tackle our ever-changing media industry. Ep. 34: Training student journalists to be career ready - Part II
Host Nick Parker returns to the world of college journalism in the first of a two-part series delving into the student media departments at Northwest Missouri State University and Monroe County (Mich.) Community College. Northwest's Steven Chappell and MCCC's Matt Bird-Meyer join the show to talk about preparing the next generation of journalists and how to best make them "career ready" when they leave the program. Ep. 33: Training student journalists to be career ready
Recorded earlier this summer, Broadcast Dialogue Editor Connie Thiessen joins host Nick Parker to discuss her role covering broadcast media in the Canadian markets and her perspective on the state of the industry. Ep. 32: Looking in on the broadcast media landscape in Canada
Whether from a place of excitement, trepidation or even curiosity, AI is the No. 1 topic right now for news organizations. Colin Benedict, VP of News for Morgan Murphy Media, and Ethan Holland, VP, Draper Digital Media, join News Nirvana podcast host Nick Parker for a dive into the tools currently available, tips on how to start implementing and exploring their use in the newsroom and even a look at how to start creating ethical guidelines around their use. Ep. 31: Jumping into AI and finding your coalition of the willing
Recorded during BLOX Digital's Broadcast Summit in Vail, Colorado, Mike Cassetta and Richard Marques join host Nick Parker for a conversation on the future of the industry, including recruitment, AI and monetizing video on digital platforms. Ep. 30: Looking to the future with AI and video monetization
Ep. 29: Self-branding, relationship-building & thinking digital first. Is the next generation ready?
Join host Nick Parker in this lively podcast episode as he sits down with Amy Martin and Kassandra Horton from WVUA 23 at the University of Alabama. Dive into the world of training the next generation of journalists and equipping them with the ability to captivate today's audiences. From mastering various storytelling formats across multiple platforms to navigating the art of self-branding on social media without compromising their integrity or key business connections, budding journalis… Ep. 29: Self-branding, relationship-building & thinking digital first. Is the next generation ready?
Guy Tasaka, founder of Tasaka Digital, LLC, joins host Nick Parker for a dive into the world of technology and the role it plays in our ever-changing media industry. Tasaka, who also pens a regular column for Editor & Publisher, has spent most of his career leading technology advances and initiatives in the news media sector and says its more important now than ever for leaders to not only keep up with new technologies, but drive their implementation as power tools for their organizations. Ep. 28: Using technology to push forward
Join host Nick Parker in an eye-opening conversation with Ryan Dohrn, a renowned media sales consultant and coach. In this episode, we explore the urgent need to reshape our mindset and strategies to boost revenue for news organizations in today's ever-changing media landscape. Dohrn, a strong advocate for permission-based media, reveals the essential ingredients for success: adopting a systematic approach and understanding the emotional dynamics of selling media partnerships within our … Ep. 27: Coach Ryan Dohrn on the approach to sales and maximizing revenue for our news orgs
For 20 years or more we've been telling ourselves and our teams that we have to change, and we have to start thinking "digital first." But what does that really mean? And why aren't we doing it after reciting this chant for so long? Denise Yost, director of digital content for Allen Media Broadcasting, joins host Nick Parker for a conversation about storytelling and how we can use our digital channels to tell the whole story and enhance what we're delivering to our audiences over the air… Ep. 26: Thinking digital first means using all your content to tell the whole story
Audience, not product. This has been the focus of Star Local Media president Rick Rogers since purchasing the DFW-area media company almost exactly 1 year ago. Rogers joins host Nick Parker for a look back at the past 12-months and his team’s efforts to turn around what was a struggling collection of 10 community newspapers. The secret, he says, has been focusing on audience and re-emphasizing the importance of community involvement. Ep. 25: ’What matters most is audience’
Our benevolent podcast sponsor has a big announcement to make! (Listen to find out what it is.) While the announcement is exciting in its own right, host Nick Parker thought this would also be a good time to talk about rebranding—a conversation many news organizations are having as they continue to adjust and remold their news business to meet the changing technologies and demands of news consumers. Returning guest Tony Bangert, CRO, is joined by Aaron Gillette, Director of Marketing on … Ep. 24: The big brand unveil... and the story of how they got there
Successful strategies rely on more than just collecting the data and looking at the numbers on a dashboard. Developing a strategy that works means taking some time to identify your goals and what data will help you chart, and track, the path to reaching them. Digital architect and data guru Kyle Rickhoff, of Align Simple, joins host Nick Parker for part two of our data series. Ep. 23: Using data to create successful strategies
Executive editor Chris Coates and senior editor Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch join the show to talk about how they're using e-Editions to bridge gaps between traditional print readers and the digital subscribers. As we've all learned in the news production business, there's no time like a deadline to experience technical issues. Host Nick Parker had some audio equipment troubles on his end during this interview. But we persevered and let Chris and Michael tell their sto… Ep. 22: Bridging the gap between print & digital readers
OK, we've got the software and we know we can track data. But what should we be tracking? What do these numbers actually mean? And how do we use the numbers to take action in our orgs? These questions (and others) come flying more often than we want to admit. News Nirvana host Nick Parker sits down with data guru Allie Peters, senior product manager of emerging product for TownNews and Lee Enterprises. Note: this is the first of a two-part series on tracking data and how it can help us b… Ep. 21: On data, what we can track and why?
The Eastsider LA's Jesus Sanchez helps kick off season 2 of the News Nirvana podcast by joining host Nick Parker to talk about newsletters and how they've helped him grow and engage his audience throughout several neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. Ep. 20: Building community reach through newsletters
Host Nick Parker decided it was time to meet his newly hired News Nirvana benefactor, so why not make a show of it? Nick had a plan for this episode to focus on new approaches to sales revenue processes. And they stuck to it—for the most part. But what really came out was an unplanned and unrestricted conversation on leadership, mentors, and making sure we're opening the door for the next generation of industry leaders. Ep. 19: Rethinking sales, process, and leadership
Let's be honest here. Most of us just aren't very good at selling our own news product to the audience. As an industry, we don't always do a good job bragging about the good work we do and the important role we play in our communities. But engaging our audience and clearly defining how we fit in their lives is essential to solving the ever-evasive dilemma of audience revenue. Bridget Sibthorp-Moecker, Director of Audience at TownNews, joins the show to talk about discovering and utilizin… Ep. 18: On audience and revenue
This week we're joined by Daily Herald Assistant Managing Editor for Watchdog Reporting, Jake Griffin. In his 20-plus years of covering suburban Chicago for the Herald, Griffin has established himself as one of the leading watchdog reporters and columnists using reader tips and deep data dives to cover everything from elected officials, taxing districts, and the local effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ep. 17: The role of the watchdog
Jed Williams and David Arkin are putting a new spin on local community media. The co-founders of Checkout DFW join host Nick Parker to talk about their fledgling publication and a new approach to both content and marketing partners (don’t call them advertisers!) Ep. 16: Content is king
With new and refreshed approaches to revenue generation and audience engagement, the Richland Source, is carving out a successful model for community newspapers. Publisher Jay Allred and Engagement & Solutions Editor Brittany Schock join host Nick Parker to talk about their intentional approach to serving the community they cover. Ep. 15: It’s hope, but with teeth
A funny thing happens when student reporters are taught, and allowed, to act like professionals. Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism director, John Krull, and senior reporter Taylor Wooten join Host Nick Parker to talk about how their program is leading the way through breaking news and statehouse reporting. Ep. 14: Student reporters leading the way
Emmy Award-winning digital news producer Cara Sabin, of WDRB in Louisville, joins host Nick Parker to talk about producing the news, driving traffic, and developing the next generation of reporters and producers. Ep. 13: On production and developing the next generation
Dr. Chad Stebbins, executive director of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors, and past board chair Gary Sosniecki join the show for a conversation about community journalism, keeping newspapers in rural cities, and the support role of their organization. Ep. 12: In support of the rural community newspapers
The Cohort's Alex Sujong Laughlin, joins host Nick Parker to talk about her new project through the Poynter Institute and the need to focus on gender and inclusion in media. Ep. 11: Being a first ain’t all it’s cracked up to be
Wick Media's Reilly Kneedler joins host Nick Parker for a conversation on the importance of data collection and how we use it to engage our audiences and create places for meaningful conversation on the news and issues of our communities. Ep. 10: On data collection and creating meaningful engagement
Rob Curry, executive producer of digital at KHQ in Spokane, Washington, joins the show for conversations on newsrooms thinking digital first, shifting to meet changing audience demand and finding the best way to package stories for the communities we cover. Ep. 9: On storytelling and context
It's a time to offer real support. A time for change. It is, according to Larry Graham, a time for action. In his 25-year career in the news business, Graham has worked in newsrooms and industry associations across the country. In 2021, he launched the Diversity Pledge Institute to help news organizations increase diversity in their businesses as well as provide needed support for the under-represented workers. Ep. 8: Creating access & driving change
Daniel Williams has spent his entire career working to build and retain news audiences. The game, he says, has changed and the focus now needs to be on the news consumer and creating sustainable relationships not only with them, but also between the reader and our organizations' business partners and advertisers. The co-founder of BlueLena sits down with Host Nick Parker for a conversation on audience building and retention. Ep 7: Delivering news for the people, not their mailboxes
Walk your beat. Cultivate your sources. Know the community you cover and the people you serve. For Bob Jacob, editor of the Cleveland Jewish News and Columbus Jewish News, these old school rules for journalists are the key for his papers' growth and success in these key Ohio markets. Ep. 6: Old school community journalism leads to new success
Mike Blinder, from Editor & Publisher, joins host Nick Parker to talk about the state of the news industry and his passion for the work news organizations do across the country. There is a need, he says, to remind newspapers and broadcasters to celebrate the work they’re doing and the roles they play in the communities they serve. Ep. 5: All for the love of journalism
Recorded prior to the start of the 2021 NCAA football season, B.J. Rains (Boise State beat writer for the Idaho Press) joined host Nick Parker for a conversation on sports writing. B.J. talks about the infamous blue turf of Boise State, what it was like covering college football in empty stadiums during the 2020 season and how he's had to shift the way he not only covers sports, but builds relationships when he's not always able to cover his beat "in person." (Note: we had some technical… Ep. 4: Blue turf, relationships & storytelling
Anika Anand, deputy director of LION Publishers, joins the show to talk about her organization's efforts to support growth of hyper-local and independently-owned news organizations across America. Ep. 3: Rekindling the fire of community news
Just months after his paper covered the social unrest of 2020, Seattle Times President Alan Fisco joins host Nick Parker to talk about the direction and state of his paper and what it could mean for other major metros. In the second half, Alan puts on his other hat, that of president of America's Newspapers, and talks of the latest efforts to encourage new legislation aimed to protect the fourth estate. Ep. 2: Regrowth of a major metro and protecting journalism in America
Eric Reinert, Director of Digital Media at WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA, joins the show for a conversation about the ever-changing technologies we use to collect and deliver the news. How we use the technology matters not only to how we gather the news, but also how we reach our audiences and better serve our advertising and business partners. Ep. 1: We may be old, but we gotta embrace the new
Host Nick Parker speaks with the visionaries and thought leaders who are transforming the way news is created, distributed, and monetized. We don’t know what the future holds for news, but it’s out there. On the News Nirvana Podcast, we're going to find it. Welcome to the News Nirvana Podcast