I am excited to step into my role as board chair of Local Media Foundation. With that excitement comes a deep sense of responsibility, born out of my reverence for the outcomes of the Lab for Journalism Funding and the many other successful LMA programs like it.

For 2025, my focus is not unlike that of my predecessors: impact, innovation and transformation. I will ensure that LMF continues to foster collaborations, encourage transparency and invest in innovation. These are timeless pillars and the very foundation of our organization, guiding us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of local journalism.

The challenges facing local media are real — be they digital, newspaper, radio or TV — but so are the opportunities. First on my agenda is the momentous issue of sustainability. We’ve seen too many newsrooms shuttered, leaving communities in the dark, so we cannot for a single moment reduce our focus on working hand-in-hand with local outlets to explore innovative business models. Think creative partnerships and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence — not to replace journalists, but to amplify their work.

But sustainability isn’t just about dollars and cents. Sustainability is equally about building resilience in the face of political and cultural pressures. To that end, my second goal is to foster open, honest dialogue about the forces shaping our media landscape and create safe spaces for tough conversations that ensure diverse voices are heard and valued. And we must illuminate that support for quality journalism transcends the profit/nonprofit divide. The key is to support news organizations that demonstrate a commitment to ethical, impactful journalism that serves the public interest, regardless of their business structure.

Perhaps closest to my heart, however, is the mission to light up news deserts. Every community deserves quality local journalism, period. In 2025, we’ll be laser-focused on identifying underserved areas and supporting initiatives to bring vital information to these communities.

I won’t sugarcoat it – the road ahead won’t be easy. It rarely is. But I’m inspired by the passion and creativity I see in our local media ecosystem, including not only our dedicated member organizations but the LMF/LMA boards, the LMA staff, and our research and development partners.

Together, I am confident that we can build a future where trusted, impactful local journalism doesn’t just survive, but thrives.

Let’s get to work.