Eight virtual sessions in the Accelerate Local How-To Series focus on growth strategies for local media including reader revenue, branded content, journalism funded by philanthropy and first-party data.

Every hour of learning offers actionable takeaways, real-world examples and opportunities to ask questions from media companies that have adopted and refined successful strategies for new revenue.

Once you have registered for the event, you will receive a link in your confirmation email to register for each session you’d like to attend.


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Tuesday, May 16

All times Eastern.

1 p.m.- 2 p.m.: How NOLA funded an investigative journalism unit with more than $1 million in funding

Investigative journalism is an essential civic good, necessary to healthy communities and Democracy. Hear how from the team at NOLA.com/Times-Picayune how they used this fact to scale and expand their award-winning accountability journalism team to serve their entire state, with philanthropic funding.

Speakers: Judi Terzotis, president and publisher, The Times-Picayune and Gordon Russell, managing editor, NOLA/The Times-Picayune. Moderated by Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer, LMA

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: How to pitch your journalism project to a funder

Learn the essential elements funders look for when deciding whether to support local journalism projects from successful news outlets and funders who make the decisions.

Speaker: Jennifer M. Preston, project director, Journalism Funders Network at Media impact Funders; principal, Preston Strategic Advisors, LLC. Moderated by Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer, LMA


Wednesday, May 17

1 p.m.-2 p.m.: The check is in the email

There may be money hiding in those email lists! Discover untapped revenue by monetizing newsletters with sponsorships and content strategy. Learn how three media companies are maximizing advertiser opportunities with their massive newsletter audiences.

Speakers: Emily Dresslar, director of RevLab at Texas Tribune; Stephanie Slagle, vice president and chief innovation officer, Graham Media Group; and Amber Nettles, senior vice president of growth and strategy, Chicago Reader. Moderated by Penny Riordan, director, business strategy and partnerships, LMA

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: How to make $200,000 or more this year in branded content

Need $200,000 in new revenue this year? We all do! In this session you will get the “How To” action plan to help you build and grow new revenue using branded content and content marketing strategies.

Speakers: Liz Hayes, director of strategy, The Branded Content Project; Evie Kevish, project manager and native advertising expert, Shaw Media; and Jarrett Shaffer, founder and managing director, Vuepoint Advertising. Moderated by Julia Campbell, general manager, Meta Branded Content Project


Thursday, May 18

1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: How digital agency ThriveFuel launched a new local media company focused on streaming

Discover how ThriveFuel leveraged their video and digital marketing expertise to launch their own local media company, SouthTexas TV, a CTV FAST channel for their local markets and beyond. In this webinar, CEO Jason Holmes and his team will share their innovative idea and plans for the future. Learn how Thrive Fuel disrupted the local media industry, and gain insights on how you can do the same. Join us to transform your business with Thrive Fuel’s next-level local strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best. 

Speaker: Jason Holmes, founder & CEO, ThriveFuel. Moderated by Guy Tasaka, managing director, LMA Technology Resource Center

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: How broadcasters grow first-party data

Learn what tactics broadcasters are using to capture and leverage first-party data points in order to improve their targeting as the “cookie apocalypse” approaches.

Speakers to be announced


Tuesday, May 23

1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: How to use LinkedIn as an advertising lead generation tool

In this session, we will review ways to utilize LinkedIn for developing sales leads to increase revenue opportunities and improve closing ratios.  Lead generation in today’s market does not require the same energy it once did, but it is mandatory to drive new customers and new sources of revenue.  Topics that will be covered include:

  1. The game is changing
  2. Turning suspects into prospects
  3. Tying the roadmap together

During this session, live example exercises will be shared to help you understand how to use this important tool for lead generation.

Speaker: Robert Walker-Smith, digital revenue director, Knight x LMA BloomLab

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: How to successfully launch new products for your sales team with a complete GTM strategy

Have trouble getting adoption from your sales division when rolling out new products? In this course we will show you how to successfully launch a new product and execute your GTM quickly and efficiently. 

Topics will cover how to identify the best lead for the roll out, list of all elements needed, rolls of the GTM team, calculating ROI and revenue goals with benchmarks….and much more. 

Jodelle Bailey leads a panel of media experts on the best ideas and best practices around product pricing, profits, and setting expectations. Don’t miss this session filled with real world advice for your next product launch!

Speaker: Jodelle Bailey, director of digital strategy and training, Sinclair Broadcast Group


Wednesday, May 24

1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: Boost client sales and retention by improving their digital acumen

Learn how to create a customer education series that can establish loyalty, trust and significantly boost the value of your services.

Speakers: Peter Lamb, president, Lamb Consulting and Apryl Pilolli, technology director, Knight x LMA BloomLab

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Driving outcomes with growth and profitability

Growth. Profitability. These keywords are making noise across media and consumer technology as executives focus on the top and bottom line, but what metrics and investments is your team utilizing to drive desired outcomes? 

Join to discuss the metrics and investments that are crucial to drive growth and profitability to set your sights on sustained strategies for 2023. Backed by Alexander Group’s latest Media & Consumer Technology research, this session will provide takeaways, strategies and best practices needed to improve your bottom line. Key topics will include:

  • Navigating uncertain economic times to drive valuation. 
  • Improving top-line or bottom-line by optimizing GTM strategy 
  • Executing GTM Strategy to achieve desired metrics and outcomes

Speaker: Matt Bartels, principal and practice lead, Media & Consumer Technology, The Alexander Group

1:1 Meetings with R&D companies

Some of the most progressive R&D companies will be holding 1:1 meetings throughout the week with attendees. Make sure to check “yes” during your registration to participate in this program. Meet with five R&D partners and you will receive a $25 gift card or we will make a donation to your favorite charity in your name. Check out all of the participating companies here.

LMA media company members receive unlimited free registrations for this virtual conference as part of their membership. If you have any questions, please contact Lindsey.Estes@localmedia.org. Not a member? Join today!