Independent Newspaper Group Quietly Sustains Local Journalism
The Independent Newspaper Group (ING), a confidential network of about two dozen family-owned newspapers, meets twice a year to share financial data and strategies. Founded in the 1980s by marketer John Mennenga, the group fosters blunt, candid conversations between publishers grappling with declining revenues and rising challenges. Members like the Anchorage Daily News and The Post and Courier use ING’s feedback loop to test ideas like revenue-generating obituary inserts and reader contests. However, membership is shrinking due to ongoing media consolidation. (Read More) (Poynter Rating)
Kansas County Settles Over Raid on Marion County Record, Issues Apologies
Marion County, Kansas, will pay more than $3 million and formally apologize to journalists and a city councilor following the 2023 police raid on the Marion County Record. Editor Eric Meyer will receive $1.5 million, while reporters and a councilor will split the rest. The sheriff’s office, granted immunity under the settlement, expressed “sincere regrets,” including to Meyer’s mother, who died the next day. The raid, tied to a local business dispute, drew national condemnation over press freedom. (Read More) (NewsFacts Network Rating)
Paramount Loses 600 Staffers Over Office Return Mandate
Ahead of a full return-to-office policy in January, Paramount has lost about 600 employees who accepted severance instead of resuming in-person work five days a week. The policy affects all departments and follows sweeping cuts after the Skydance merger. Critics say recent actions, including leadership changes at CBS News and the cancellation of “The Late Show,” signal political alignment, especially after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump, who later praised the company’s direction. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)
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