AI is no longer a buzzword in local newsrooms — it’s becoming the backbone of how small publishers survive and grow. That message came through loud and clear in a recent E&P–sponsored webinar, where Seattle Medium digital and social media manager Josiah Scott joined Nota’s CEO Josh Brandau and COO Evan Young to share how one minority-owned newsroom is using assistive AI to expand its reach, boost engagement, and grow revenue without losing its soul.
Your analytics are lying to you. That’s the message from Bridget Sibthorp-Moecker of BLOX Digital, Kyle Rickhoff of Align Simple, and Reilly Kneedler of Wick Communications—three insiders who say most publishers are tracking the wrong numbers, drawing the wrong conclusions, and leaving money on the table. In this conversation, they explain why page views won’t save your newsroom—and what to measure instead if you want to build real loyalty, sustainable revenue, and editorial impact.
Puzzles aren’t just for passing time—they’re becoming a powerful tool for local news publishers to drive engagement, grow subscriptions, and gather first-party data. In this exclusive roundtable, leaders from WEHCO Digital, CherryRoad Media, and King Features reveal how daily games are building habit-forming traffic and boosting customer lifetime value. From simple implementation to surprising revenue returns, these executives share real numbers and strategies that are paying off. Want to cut churn, grow lists, and give your audience a reason to return? Then it’s time to rethink the role of puzzles in your digital playbook.
INFOTEL MULTIMEDIA was struggling to sell newsletter sponsorships—until they found a solution that delivered real results. “We weren’t selling enough,” said VP of Operations Danielle Hastings, “but now we have a daily product we’re proud of.” By adopting a platform that offered smarter tools, expert support, and a seamless process from content to sales, the team turned a chaotic system into a streamlined, revenue-generating engine.
Most readers who hit a paywall don’t subscribe—they leave. In fact, research shows that more than 90% of visitors abandon publisher sites at the paywall, often never returning. During a recent Editor & Publisher webinar, media researcher Jessie Shi and Make it Free CEO Wade Bradley tackled this challenge head-on. Shi called for smarter, more flexible paywall strategies, while Bradley unveiled a model that monetizes the lost majority through ad-sponsored article access. Their message was clear: locking readers out doesn’t pay—but letting them in just might.
Five years ago, Column set out to revolutionize the cumbersome process of publishing public and legal notices, and today, their self-serve platform is delivering results. With intuitive features like flexible document uploads, instant proofs, and real-time price transparency, Column has simplified workflows for over 850 publications and 4,500 organizations, helping law firms, government agencies, and businesses save time and reduce frustration. By offering free training and innovative tools, Column has boosted newspaper staff efficiency by 270% and allowed legal reps to handle up to 67 daily notices, earning praise for transforming an outdated industry standard.
The Defender Network has transformed its newsroom efficiency and audience engagement with Nota, an AI-powered tool tailored for modern journalism. Clyde Jiles, Strategic Alliance Manager at the Defender Network, shared how Nota helped cut content production time from 90 minutes to just 15, allowing their small team to focus on impactful storytelling. With features like tone customization and SEO optimization, Nota enabled the Defender to boost digital engagement and reach more readers without compromising journalistic quality. Jiles called the tool a game-changer, emphasizing its role in streamlining operations while amplifying their community’s voice.
Elite Insights and St. George News have revolutionized how media companies engage with their communities and generate revenue through innovative “Best Of” programs. These initiatives, powered by Elite Insights’ comprehensive software, enable publishers to create seamless, end-to-end campaigns that drive audience participation, build advertiser relationships, and unlock significant revenue streams. For St. George News, this approach has transformed their business, generating over $600,000 in annual revenue and fostering long-term advertiser loyalty, all while deepening connections with their local community.
Newsrooms can harness the power of AI to deliver personalized election content, track real-time voter sentiment, and optimize for engagement and revenue growth. AI tools, such as Nota and Chartbeat, can analyze user data and sentiment shifts, helping publishers provide tailored content that resonates with specific audiences. By enhancing reader experiences and streamlining workflows, AI empowers media companies to improve audience engagement and maximize advertising opportunities during the high-stakes election season. Ultimately, these strategies not only boost revenue but also ensure that voters stay well-informed and engaged with crucial election coverage.
To enhance its already successful “Best of the Best” campaign, the Tampa Bay Times partnered with Elite Insights to address a missed opportunity in digital advertising. With Elite Insights’ software and expertise, the Times integrated a streamlined digital strategy, allowing its sales team to focus on selling while Elite handled logistics. This collaboration led to impressive results, including a 260% revenue increase and over 425,000 community votes, setting a new standard for digital engagement.
