David Rothschild, an economist at Microsoft Research and a contributor to the Media Bias Detector Project, dives into the complexities of media bias and its effects on public perception. He discusses the paradox of trust in mainstream media, where consumption persists despite declining trust levels. Rothschild examines how digital technology and the 24-hour news cycle have transformed journalism, exacerbating misinformation. He highlights the difficulties journalists face in maintaining neutrality in our polarized era and the urgent need for diverse voices to enrich media discourse.

Daralyse Lyons, a business growth officer at the Chestnut Hill Local with a passion for community journalism, discusses a $100,000 Lenfest grant aimed at boosting readership in underserved areas. She highlights innovative strategies like hiring a digital editor and hosting community idea labs to engage local audiences. Lyons emphasizes the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in neighborhoods like Germantown and Mount Airy, while balancing editorial integrity with community needs for a more inclusive, thriving local journalism landscape.

Amy Zielinski, Senior Event Producer for Vermont Public, discusses innovative strategies for community engagement through live events. She highlights how Vermont Public organized community picnics to address local election questions and foster dialogue. Zielinski shares the importance of collaboration between the events team and newsroom to create impactful programming. The conversation touches on the significance of gathering public input on critical issues and enhancing connections between the media and the audience for better local relevance.

Nic Dawes is the executive director of The City, an independent nonprofit newsroom dedicated to local news in New York. He shares how their mission-driven journalism fills gaps left by the decline of major outlets. Dawes discusses innovative projects, like a digital memorial for COVID victims, and how community engagement shapes critical stories. He also highlights the challenges of open data access and the importance of diversity in the newsroom, emphasizing that inclusivity enhances the quality and relevance of local journalism.

Fran Wills, the CEO of the Local Media Consortium, highlights the transformative role of digital video in local news delivery. She discusses how platforms like YouTube and TikTok are reshaping audience behaviors, pushing newsrooms to explore video storytelling for revenue generation. The conversation delves into ethical challenges related to social media influencers and the necessity for digital partnerships. Wills emphasizes that video has shifted from a supplementary tool to a central element in news, driving engagement and financial growth.

Carrie Melago discusses how Chalkbeat, the education-focused, local newsroom, tracks impact rather than just chasing clicks.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viktorya Vilk and Jeje Mohamed wrote a report for PEN America with Columbia University’s Susan McGregor that focused on using peer support to reduce harm and increase resilience against the online abuse of journalists in the U.S.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Mingle is a freelance journalist and the author of a new book, “Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America’s Energy Future," which documents how Virginia communities pushed back against Dominion Power's Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Allison Levine, CEO of Local Journalism Initiative, can discusses how LJI’s Delaware Journalism Collaborative, which has brought more than 25 partners throughout the state together to report on polarization and possible solutions, strengthens local journalism in Delaware and our democracy.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steven Herman, former White House bureau chief for Voice of America, discusses his experience covering the Trump and Biden administrations and his new book about the experience: "Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President — And Why It Matters."Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices