America’s Newspapers has named Tony Baranowski as its new state policy director, a key leadership role created to support the work of the State Advocacy Coalition — an alliance of press associations and advocacy groups working together to protect and promote local journalism through unified legislative action.
“Tony brings an exceptional mix of industry experience and policy insight that will help drive success in this role,” said Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers. “He understands the legislative landscape — but more importantly, he understands what local newspapers mean to their communities. That combination is exactly what we need to move the Coalition’s work forward and to advance the advocacy goals of America’s Newspapers.”
Baranowski has more than 20 years of experience in community newspapers, including leadership roles in editorial, audience and revenue development. He also played an active role in legislative advocacy efforts in Iowa. “It’s such an honor to have an opportunity to represent the industry I’ve dedicated my career to on a national scale,” Baranowski said. “I’m eager to help identify the victories happening across the country and amplify those efforts to policymakers on behalf of America’s Newspapers.”
As state policy director, Baranowski will help coordinate the efforts of the State Advocacy Coalition, which was launched earlier this year to strengthen legislative responses, share best practices and champion policies that help sustain strong local news ecosystems.
The addition of this position marks the next step in America’s Newspapers’ ongoing commitment to advocate for local newspapers and ensure their role in civic life is protected and supported.
“This is an important step for the future of local newspapers,” Ridings said. “There are serious challenges ahead — from attacks on public notice requirements to efforts that undermine First Amendment protections. But there are also real opportunities to work with legislators to strengthen the role of local newspapers in their communities. We’ll continue to fight for the protections our industry needs, but we’ll also advocate for policies that help local news thrive. This is part of our broader commitment to support the model of local news that is delivering results and doing the work right now in communities across the country.”
For more information about the State Advocacy Coalition — or to learn how your association can participate — contact Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers, at dridings@newspapers.org.
