The Meeting Built for Small and Mid-Sized Newspaper Owners
Family-owned and independently operated newspapers are essential to the communities they serve—and are the backbone of local journalism.
But running these operations comes with a unique set of challenges: limited resources, succession planning, market pressure, and the constant need to innovate.
That’s why America’s Newspapers created the Family Owners Regional Roundtable—a focused, peer-driven gathering built for owner-operators and key leaders in small and mid-sized markets.
But running these operations comes with a unique set of challenges: limited resources, succession planning, market pressure, and the constant need to innovate.
That’s why America’s Newspapers created the Family Owners Regional Roundtable—a focused, peer-driven gathering built for owner-operators and key leaders in small and mid-sized markets.
Registration rates for the entire Family Owners Regional Roundtable are only $50 per person, including the Family Owners dinner on Thursday night. This meeting is open to local newspaper organizations. This low rate is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the SNPA Foundation. |
Actionable, Peer-Driven, Accessible
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What makes the Family Owners meetings different is they are built to deliver immediate results, but also help you plan for the future. It’s a hands-on environment where owner-operators and key leaders share real-world solutions and exchange ideas in a highly interactive setting.
This Roundtable is designed for owners, publishers, and senior leaders in small to mid-sized markets. Sessions are tactical and idea-driven, with a focus on operations, audience growth, revenue generation, and peer exchange.
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Who should attend: Owner-operators of small and mid-sized newspapers Family members active in daily operations Publishers, general managers, and senior staff designated by ownership Future leaders preparing for succession |
Thursday, September 18
Evening | Family Owners Dinner
A Family Owners tradition, attendees gather for a casual dinner to reconnect with peers and kick off the meeting.
Friday, September 19
Maximizing Your Association Benefits
Dean Ridings and Don Craven share how publishers can maximize their association memberships
Frugal Innovation: Cherry Road Media’s Journey to Financial Sustainability
Jeremy Gulban, CEO of Cherry Road Media, has led the company through the acquisitions of 93 markets in 18 states. Their focus has been on print newspapers in smaller markets - and using scale and advanced expense management to offset the declining revenue challenges faced by the industry. Jeremy will share lessons learned.
Expanding Your Portfolio: How Radio Can Fit In.
J. Tom Shaw of Shaw Media details how adding local radio stations to your ownership portfolio can be a profitable addition to your business and expand your reach and revenue
What’s Your Paper Worth?
In spite of headlines, the newspaper industry remains an active marketplace for buyers and sellers. Sara April of Dirks, VanEssen & April provides a practical look at valuations, M&A trends, and what buyers are looking for in today's environment. Whether you're in the market or not, this session will spotlight the ares of your business to focus on.
Starting and Growing Philanthropic Support for Your News Operation
Bob Woodward, retired VP - Woodward Community Media and publisher of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, will outline their step-by-step path to over $1.3million in donations raised in the last year. Bob will share learnings from fellow publishers, first hand experience with Report For America and Press Forward, key partnerships, elements of effective messaging, community education, prospecting, solicitation from community stakeholders and beyond.
Policy and Advocacy Briefing
Advocating for local newspapers is essential to success. Dean Ridings will lead this session will provide details on regional and national issues that affect your business—and how to you can engage effectively to make a difference.
Revenue Idea Exchange
Revenue is at the top of everyone's list and this fast-paced, peer-led roundtable will provide actionable ideas to help drive local ad growth right now.
Audience Growth
An open discussion on what's working in audience growth, including strategies around pricing, engagement, subscription wins, and niche products
Owners-Only and Operators Confidential Sessions
A Family-Owners staple, here's the opportunity to connect directly with other owners and operators that are in situations similar to yours. These closed-door conversations about succession, structure, governance, and business topics that impact Family Owners. You'll gain insights and connections to maintain going forward.
Evening | Family Owners Dinner
A Family Owners tradition, attendees gather for a casual dinner to reconnect with peers and kick off the meeting.
Friday, September 19
Maximizing Your Association Benefits
Dean Ridings and Don Craven share how publishers can maximize their association memberships
Frugal Innovation: Cherry Road Media’s Journey to Financial Sustainability
Jeremy Gulban, CEO of Cherry Road Media, has led the company through the acquisitions of 93 markets in 18 states. Their focus has been on print newspapers in smaller markets - and using scale and advanced expense management to offset the declining revenue challenges faced by the industry. Jeremy will share lessons learned.
Expanding Your Portfolio: How Radio Can Fit In.
J. Tom Shaw of Shaw Media details how adding local radio stations to your ownership portfolio can be a profitable addition to your business and expand your reach and revenue
What’s Your Paper Worth?
In spite of headlines, the newspaper industry remains an active marketplace for buyers and sellers. Sara April of Dirks, VanEssen & April provides a practical look at valuations, M&A trends, and what buyers are looking for in today's environment. Whether you're in the market or not, this session will spotlight the ares of your business to focus on.
Starting and Growing Philanthropic Support for Your News Operation
Bob Woodward, retired VP - Woodward Community Media and publisher of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, will outline their step-by-step path to over $1.3million in donations raised in the last year. Bob will share learnings from fellow publishers, first hand experience with Report For America and Press Forward, key partnerships, elements of effective messaging, community education, prospecting, solicitation from community stakeholders and beyond.
Policy and Advocacy Briefing
Advocating for local newspapers is essential to success. Dean Ridings will lead this session will provide details on regional and national issues that affect your business—and how to you can engage effectively to make a difference.
Revenue Idea Exchange
Revenue is at the top of everyone's list and this fast-paced, peer-led roundtable will provide actionable ideas to help drive local ad growth right now.
Audience Growth
An open discussion on what's working in audience growth, including strategies around pricing, engagement, subscription wins, and niche products
Owners-Only and Operators Confidential Sessions
A Family-Owners staple, here's the opportunity to connect directly with other owners and operators that are in situations similar to yours. These closed-door conversations about succession, structure, governance, and business topics that impact Family Owners. You'll gain insights and connections to maintain going forward.
The Location: Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort
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Often referred to as the Gem of the Suburbs, The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort is the ideal setting for this year’s Family Owners Regional Roundtable.
Just 25 minutes from O’Hare, it combines easy access with a quiet, professional environment perfect for focused discussion and peer exchange. Set on a scenic 150-acre property, the resort offers comfortable meeting spaces, on-site dining, and room to step away and recharge between sessions. Hotel reservation information will be provided after registration to the meeting. |
REGISTER TODAY!
If you have questions, or need additional information, reach out to us at [email protected].