The urgency to pursue and post stories is a priority in newsrooms. It’s paramount to remain relevant to readers and advertisers. That necessity is stepped up considerably in the age of digital editions and the 24/7 news cycle. Readers hear something on the streets and expect immediate reports.

Editors are regularly challenged: What mix of stories and photos will collectively make this edition a “must see” for readers and advertisers? There is no universal formula.

As youths we all likely tried to hide bad behavior from our parents. The truth inevitably surfaced, and we bore the brunt of punishment. Lesson: Be up front with circumstances and repercussions typically are minimized.

Publishers typically enter a new year with a lengthy to-do list. Among the greatest challenges is growing revenue in the fractured media landscape. Long gone are the days when the local newspaper was the premier advertising choice for auto dealers, grocers and Realtors, and the first stop for help-wanted ads.

One of my greatest satisfactions sitting behind the editor’s desk was appreciating the newspaper had a pulse of the community. Credit extended beyond the newsroom; all employees served as our collective eyes and ears.

Elections are over, and you breathe a sigh of relief. The exhaustive campaign season has concluded, and newsrooms can return to some level of normalcy.

Pop quiz, not a trick question: What’s the most important piece of information for readers in these police reports?

Election Day is fast approaching. Newsrooms are likely starting the countdown when they take a collective breath from the exhaustive campaign season and return to some level of normalcy.

Consistency and fairness are benchmarks of solid reporting. The principles loom especially important in business coverage.

Campaigns are in full swing as Election Day nears. Editors should pay extra attention to letters that give a thumbs up or thumbs down to candidates and other ballot initiatives.

Anyone who has edited or published a community newspaper knows the most challenging and, often, agonizing part of the job is dealing with sensitive issues. I dealt with many issues like this during my career as an editor, and wished there was some type of guidance...

I would like to thank Jim for contributing to the success of our first virtual convention. He delivered an engaging, well presented, and valuable online workshop for our membership! We had great attendance and I think that everyone took away a vast amount of...