Recent Writing
Build revenue by broadening scope of business coverage
Midyear is an excellent time to evaluate 2026 goals and strategies. Navigate priorities on the editorial calendar, especially as election season picks up. Track revenues and explore additional advertising and circulation opportunities.
Keep readers in the loop and enhance your design
A city council approves tax incentives for a shopping center after a months-long process that generates intense emotions from proponents and opponents alike.
Elections alert: Be aware of, prepare for legal minefield
The months-long election season is taxing enough as newsrooms stretch resources to monitor candidates and campaigns in addition to delivering everyday reports. All aspects of election coverage are put under the microscope. Fairness and consistency are paramount in today’s supercharged political environment.
Election season: Keep coverage local, start early
Election season is under way. Many would say the cycle never ends. No sooner are votes tallied than strategists eye the next election. Make no mistake, many lawmakers routinely cast votes with one eye on policy and one eye on politics, especially if they are in swing districts.
Business coverage vital to your product and community
Editors are regularly solicited to publish news that puts merchants in good standing. In small communities, grip-and-grin photos of check presentations often dominate the requests. The topic generated a healthy conversation in an editors’ hotline during the holiday season of charitable giving.
Close the loop on local government budgets, tax levies
Local governments are putting the finishing touches on 2026 operations as this year nears a close. Budgets and tax levies have been presented to citizens, debated and adopted.
Don’t leave meeting until last person exits
Any examination of local public affairs coverage typically focuses on meetings of government bodies. And for good reason. That’s where votes are taken and policies enacted that affect citizens’ everyday lives.
Two voices better than one, and more even better
The Trump Administration continues its assault on free speech. Among the latest examples is the Defense Department’s edict that journalists who cover the Pentagon can no longer gather or report information, even if unclassified, unless authorized for release by the government. Reporters who don’t sign a statement agreeing to the new rules will have press credentials revoked.
Smart hiring in modern newsrooms: Vetting for today’s editorial demands
Interviewing reporter applicants was among my most tedious tasks when sitting behind the editor’s desk. It also was a most important responsibility. Selecting the strongest individuals would save headaches down the line.
Start planning now to produce year-end edition
The Hallmark Channel has just wrapped up its movie lineup for those who love to celebrate Christmas in July. It serves as an excellent reminder to start planning keepsake year-end editions. Seize the opportunity to produce solid content and generate revenue.
Who is Jim Pumarlo?
Community newspapers, at their best, are stewards of their communities. The news columns are a blend of stories that people like to read and stories they should read. The advertising columns promote and grow local commerce. And the editorial pages are a marketplace of ideas.
Jim Pumarlo understands that energized newspapers are at the foundation of energized communities. His message is straightforward: Community newspapers – whether delivering information in the print or on the Web – must focus on local news if they are to remain relevant to their readers and advertisers.
You’re welcome to reprint these columns with the appropriate tagline:
Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and provides training on community newsroom success strategies. He is author of “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in Small-Town Newspapers,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage” and “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage.” He can be reached at www.pumarlo.com and welcomes comments and questions at jim@pumarlo.com.