This special anniversary episode of Keep It Local, a podcast from the Local Media Association, looks back at a full year of conversations with leaders across the local news industry.

Host Ryan Welton highlights the biggest takeaways on revenue, AI, audience trust, and innovation — all focused on one mission: helping local media organizations build sustainable business models.

Branded content that actually works

1. Why internal alignment is critical to success
2. How storytelling drives advertiser value

AI in the newsroom

1. Practical use cases beyond writing
2. How AI can improve accessibility and efficiency
3. Why trust and transparency matter more than ever

New revenue opportunities

1. Donation strategies that convert audiences into supporters
2. “Best of” campaigns as long-term revenue engines
3. Monetizing short-form video and branded content

Audience trust & data strategy

1. What consumers actually think about AI in news
2. How zero- and first-party data strengthen relationships

Growth strategies for modern newsrooms

1. Short-form video adoption
2. Community-first engagement models
3. Building direct audience relationships

Local journalism is evolving fast. The organizations that survive — and thrive — will be the ones that adapt, experiment, and connect deeply with their communities.

This episode is a roadmap for doing exactly that.

Editor's note: These podcast notes were written by AI from an episode transcript plus inputs from its host.