The News Nirvana Podcast

Ep. 27: Coach Ryan Dohrn on the approach to sales and maximizing revenue for our news orgs

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 communities. Discover the invaluable wisdom of Ryan Dohrn, the visionary founder and president of Brain Swell Media, and the driving force behind the highly regarded Niche Media conference. Prepare for a transformative experience as we unravel groundbreaking perspectives on the future of media. Tune in now to gain fresh insights and unlock new possibilities!

Ep. 26: Thinking digital first means using all your content to tell the whole story

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 and in print.

Ep. 25: ’What matters most is audience’

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. 24: The big brand unveil... and the story of how they got there

Our benevolent News Nirvana 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 this episode.

Ep. 23: Using data to create successful strategies

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. 22: Bridging the gap between print & digital readers

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 story of producing the news every day in Richmond.)

Ep. 21: On data, what we can track and why?

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 better our news organizations.

Ep. 20: Building community reach through newsletters

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. 19: Rethinking sales, process, and leadership

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. 18: On audience + revenue

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 utilizing available tools to not only bring in audience, but keep them in the fold.