The News Nirvana Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.