Rust Communications and its sister company, PubGen.ai, have been named Innovator of the Year by the Local Media Association for their development of an artificial intelligence-powered content management system and digital platform. The award, which recognizes leaders in digital media who pioneer new concepts and experiment in creative ways, highlights Jon K. Rust, Sho Rust and Michael Machiah for their work connecting advanced AI capabilities to newsroom workflows, media business systems and user-facing digital platforms.
The Local Media Association News, Content and Strategy Innovator of the Year award is given annually to a digital media leader delivering remarkable results.
The new platform, PubGen.ai, was first introduced across Rust Communications’ local media properties, including the Southeast Missourian. The company, headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, publishes newspapers and digital media in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska and Idaho. The platform is now being marketed to other media companies and journalism organizations.
AI platform designed for local newsrooms
PubGen.ai intuitively streamlines newsroom operations with AI-driven tools that enhance content quality and automate production. The platform offers integration with third-party services, including subscription and payment management, and connects with business platforms such as Google Ads and email service providers. The suite includes tools for writing, image creation, design and production, along with core media business systems, allowing journalists to focus on storytelling.
Jon K. Rust, president of Rust Communications, said the recognition from the Local Media Association is a “tremendous honor.”
“The credit for the technology belongs to Sho Rust, Michael Machiah, Mathis Obadia and the rest of the team at PubGen,” Jon Rust said. “What they have created is revolutionary for media like ours. Special credit also goes to our editorial teams. Without their receptivity and insights, this would have been much more difficult; but they were quickly won over by the capabilities and ease of use.”
Sho Rust, CEO of PubGen.ai, said the company’s mission is to empower local journalism and address challenges facing newsrooms.
“For the first time, newsrooms can lead with a fully integrated, AI-powered CMS that is unlike anything else in or outside the media industry,” Sho Rust said. “Our AI is uniquely grounded in newsroom archives, making it possible to deliver content rooted in verified truth. By empowering journalism with leading-edge AI, we’re helping media organizations enhance their storytelling, streamline operations, and deepen their engagement with readers.”
Both Jon and Sho Rust credited the Local Media Association’s Family and Independent Media Sustainability Lab for inspiring them to take bold steps with PubGen.ai.
Focus on combating news deserts
Michael Machiah, software developer and co-founder of PubGen.ai, said the company’s mission has always been to prevent news deserts and empower local media by creating a scalable and economically feasible solution.
“I didn’t fully understand how critical this was,” Machiah said. “But after working with media organizations like those in LMA, and seeing their passion, care and integrity, I now feel at home—with a shared sense of purpose.”
“It’s a big honor to be recognized by LMA,” Machiah added. “We are humbled.”
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