Why Colorado is a Hotbed for Local Journalism

What are the conditions that led to Colorado being a leader in the local journalism industry in the US?

Today I had a great conversation with Tim Regan-Porter, CEO of the Colorado Press Association and the host of the Local News Matters podcast. We discussed the role of the Press Association in supporting local journalism and the unique ecosystem that has emerged in Colorado. Our conversation also touched on the challenges facing local newsrooms, the importance of community engagement, and the potential for government support in funding journalism.

Tim’s journey to leading the Colorado Press Association (CPA) is far from conventional. With a background that spans tech, publishing, and journalism education, his career has been defined by following his passions and making a meaningful impact.

Tim worked with a number of tech companies and startups in the early days of the internet before transitioning into launching Paste Magazine, a music publication that thrived before the financial crisis in 2008.

Later, he led the Center for Collaborative Journalism at Mercer University, an initiative that embedded journalism students in newsrooms to foster community engagement. After a stint managing newsrooms in the South, Porter took on the CEO role at CPA, where he now champions innovation and collaboration in Colorado’s local news ecosystem.

The Colorado Advantage: A Hotbed for Local News

I’m a relative outsider to the local journalism world, so when I became more involved in the industry I was shocked to realize that my home state of Colorado seems to be a leader in local journalism innovation and collaboration.

I pointed this out to Tim during the interview, and he confirmed that Colorado’s collaborative and forward-thinking ecosystem is recognized nationwide. He attributes this distinction to pivotal moments in the state’s media history:

–The Rocky Mountain News Closure (2009): The loss of this major newspaper served as an industry wake-up call.

–Denver Post Rebellion: After significant cuts by Alden Global Capital, journalists at the Denver Post protested, sparking the creation of the Colorado Sun and highlighting the need for alternative models.

Tim also credits the emergence of organizations like the Colorado Media Project and the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab), which have fostered innovative approaches and partnerships. The Gates Family Foundation and other philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in sustaining these efforts.

The Role of the Colorado Press Association

The CPA’s mission is centered on supporting local journalism through advocacy, advertising services, and member training. Tim described their work as a “three-legged stool”:

–Legislative Advocacy: The CPA defends open records and meetings, fights for transparency, and addresses niche issues affecting newsrooms, such as laws impacting newspaper delivery drivers.

–Advertising Sales: Acting as a central sales hub, the CPA facilitates advertising for large companies like Xcel Energy, streamlining the process for businesses looking to reach audiences across multiple newspapers.

–Training and Networking: From hosting annual conventions to providing ongoing resources, the CPA equips its members with the tools to adapt and thrive.

Sustainability in Local News

One of the most pressing topics we discussed was the sustainability of local news in a rapidly changing media landscape. Tim emphasized the resilience of small, rural papers in Colorado, many of which have survived against the odds. However, challenges remain:

–Aging Ownership: Many family-owned papers face uncertain futures as owners retire without successors.

-Financial Struggles: While print advertising still drives significant revenue, digital advertising growth hasn’t kept pace. Convincing new advertisers to invest in print can be an uphill battle due to outdated perceptions of the newspaper industry.

Despite these obstacles, Porter noted that Colorado’s local news ecosystem is “surprisingly resilient,” with over 100 small papers still in print across the state – something that he would not have predicted 10 years ago.

Innovative Revenue Models

Tim and I also talked about successful revenue strategies underscored the importance of experimentation and diversification. He highlighted two main categories of news organizations finding success:

–Nonprofit Models: Organizations like the American Journalism Project are proving that philanthropy can play a significant role in sustaining local journalism. While some question the long-term viability of this model, Tim drew parallels to public education, suggesting that communities must recognize journalism as a public good worthy of investment.

–Business-Centric Models: Local newsrooms that view advertisers as partners rather than mere revenue sources are thriving. Regular listeners to this podcast will not be surprised by this. These outlets focus on helping businesses reach audiences through innovative solutions beyond traditional print and digital ads, such as hosting events and offering membership opportunities.

Tim echoed findings from a previous episode with LION Publishers executive director Chris Krewson that the most successful local news outlets typically rely on two to six revenue streams. This balance ensures financial stability without overextending resources.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Colorado’s success in local news. Organizations like COLab have brought newsrooms together to tackle major stories, such as COVID-19’s impact, through collective reporting efforts. Tim emphasized that engaging communities—both as readers and stakeholders—is essential. Local newsrooms must listen to their audiences and adapt to serve them effectively.

Tim also urged businesses and citizens to actively support their local news outlets. Beyond financial contributions, he stressed the importance of community members sharing feedback and participating in conversations about their coverage needs.

The Potential of Government Support

While historically controversial in the journalism world, government funding for local news is gaining traction. Tim highlighted various models being explored across the U.S. and abroad, including California’s tax on big tech to support journalism. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining editorial independence but argued that government support could be a valuable component of a sustainable future for local news.

“It’s a public good and a community resource,” Tim says, noting successful examples in Canada and the U.K. He called for transparency and strict safeguards to ensure independence in any government-backed initiatives.

Addressing Housing and Workforce Challenges

Our conversation also touched on the unique challenges facing local newsrooms in Colorado’s high-cost mountain towns. Skyrocketing real estate prices have made it difficult for newsrooms to attract and retain talent. Even in rural areas with lower costs, Colorado housing shortages and limited salaries pose significant barriers.

Porter noted that these challenges extend to internships and entry-level roles, as young journalists struggle to afford housing in desirable but expensive locations like Vail and Telluride. He emphasized the need for creative solutions to support the next generation of journalists.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action

As our interview concluded, Tim offered a compelling call to action for listeners. He encouraged communities to recognize the vital role local journalism plays and to actively support it through subscriptions, advertising, and engagement. He also urged citizens to consider the potential benefits of government support while remaining vigilant about preserving editorial independence.

For those interested in learning more, Tim’s Local News Matters podcast dives deeper into the business of local news, exploring innovative approaches and sharing stories from across the industry. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of journalism.