The News Nirvana Podcast

Ep. 38: Navigating the shift to digital-first

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. 37: Unlocking the digital video landscape with Sean Evans

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 to offering valuable insights, this episode underscores the value of embracing video both as a fundamental component of news delivery and as a revenue generator.

Ep. 36: Embracing branded content campaigns

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. 35: The power of partnerships, shared audiences, and sponsored content

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. 34: Training student journalists to be career ready - Part II

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. 33: Training student journalists to be career ready

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. 32: Looking in on the broadcast media landscape in Canada

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. 31: Jumping into AI and finding your coalition of the willing

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. 30: Looking to the future with AI and video monetization

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. 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 journalists have quite the task ahead. And hey, who knows, maybe they'll even pick up a thing or two about entrepreneurship and business along the way. Tune in to discover how these young journalists are not only expanding their skill sets but also becoming the ultimate jack-of-all-trades in the field.