Business transformation is one of our four strategic pillars. To LMA and LMF, business transformation in the local media industry can mean many things: innovations in advertising and marketing services; new approaches to sales and revenue management; new product development; consumer revenue and membership models, and more.
Current initiatives such as The Branded Content Project, the Family and Independent Media Lab (FIMS), LMA Digital Club, and past programs such as the GNI Subscriptions Lab reflect our commitment to researching, supporting, and leading business transformation efforts for the future of local media. We also believe work toward our other strategic pillars — industry collaboration, journalism funded by philanthropy, and sustainability for publishers of color — represents profound business transformation opportunities.
Here are recent articles on our work to support business transformation in local media.
Where is local news headed in 2026? Here’s what LMA staff says
A new year brings new opportunities for local media companies to evolve and thrive. We focus on reinventing business models for news. Here, LMA staff members predict opportunities for growth and potential challenges for media in 2026. And we reveal some troubling things that keep us up at night, and encouraging things that get us…
Borrell report: How local advertisers are using content marketing and what it means for local media
Content marketing is helping local advertisers grow, connect with audiences, and tell stronger stories. Understanding how businesses use it today is key to unlocking new revenue opportunities for local media. The Content Marketing Advertiser Study from Borrell Associates and The Branded Content Project answers important questions, including: Click here to read more and to download…
LMA/LMF 2025 Impact Report
We’re proud to share inspiring stories of news media organizations that have benefited from our programs Dear Friends of LMA and LMF, Many great things happened in LMA/LMF programs in 2025, and this report tells those stories of successes for local media of all kinds and sizes. We would seem naive, however, if we did not acknowledge…
How news audiences feel about AI use by newsrooms: What a new LMA–Trusting News survey reveals
As newsrooms experiment with artificial intelligence to create greater efficiency, one question looms large: Are their audiences comfortable with them using AI? A new national survey funded by Walton Family Foundation and conducted by Local Media Association and Trusting News offers one of the clearest answers yet — and it comes directly from engaged local…
John M. Humenik named LMA/LMF Chief Strategy and Operations Officer
Longtime media executive, former LMA board chair has led organization’s Family and Independent Media Sustainability Lab, AI Community Journalism Lab (December 16, 2025) — John M. Humenik, a respected media executive who leads two major innovation labs for Local Media Association/Local Media Foundation, has been promoted to Chief Strategy and Operations Officer for the organization.…
News consumers cautious and unsure about AI use in news
New research shows survey respondents want human involvement, guardrails, transparency if AI is used in news reports Local news consumers, especially those who engage frequently with news, are generally aware of artificial intelligence usage in news reports and open to use of AI for journalists’ routine reporting tasks. That awareness and openness are among key…
Data insights on news sustainability from FT Strategies
Newsrooms can’t serve their communities with trusted local news if they can’t sustain their business. In an environment where audience pathways to news are changing quickly, traditional revenue models are disrupted and AI creates both new opportunities and threats, it’s essential for news leaders to understand what truly drives success. FT Strategies, in partnership with…
Branded content that works: A step-by-step fulfillment strategy
If you’ve ever managed a branded content campaign, you know there’s a lot more to it than writing a story and hitting publish. Successful campaigns are built on systems, great processes, measurement and reporting that gets clients to say yes to doing more content. David Arkin, CEO of David Arkin Consulting, is one of the…
4 real-world newsroom AI experiments: What was learned
At this year’s LMA Fest, the AI Community Journalism Lab showcased real-world experiments proving that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to create efficiencies in the newsroom. The AI Lab, made possible with funding from Walton Family Foundation, has helped 21 publishers explore the possibilities of AI to free up more time to cover local…
Applications open now for the third Cash Camp focused on cause marketing
Brands want to align with purpose—and media organizations have the power to deliver that impact. That’s why the Branded Content Cash Camp is back with a new focus: helping media sales teams grow and strengthen purpose-driven initiatives. Through hands-on coaching, actionable sales strategies, and a focus on community-centered storytelling, this cohort will help you refine your…
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