Just a few spots are left in in the 2023 Newspaper Executive Development Program; apply now!

We are grateful to the Inland Press Foundation which provided the grant to create the Executive Development Program for America's Newspapers.”

Nick Monico, chair of the Executive Development Program for America's Newspapers

The basics:

This program is for newspaper executives. Your paper must be a member of America's Newspapers.

This is a six-part program that includes two live meetings, the virtual sessions and attendance at the 2023 Mega-Conference and 2023 Senior Leadership Conference. 

If selected, there is a cost to take part: $750 per person. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.

The America’s Newspapers Executive Development Program, funded in part by the Inland Press Foundation, gives the next generation of newspaper leaders the opportunity to connect and gain valuable insights from industry leaders and their peers.

Applicants will be notified by Feb. 28 if they are accepted so they can plan and book their travel to the Mega-Conference.

What:  A six-part program focused on the core topics that emerging leaders need to further their careers. The curriculum of the program will be tactical, developmental and inspirational with participants gaining exposure to multiple disciplines. Each session will be led by industry veterans who will provide an overview of the business of newspapers and a roadmap for the skills needed to be successful. From revenue development, content, digital, finance and more, Executive Development participants will learn from the best the industry has to offer.

Where:  The six-part program includes two live meetings and four virtual meetings:

• The kickoff session will be April 1-4 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, as part of the 2023 Mega-Conference.
• Four virtual meetings (via Zoom in May, June, July and August).
• The wrap-up session will be Oct. 7-10 in Chicago as part of the America’s Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference.  

Who should attend?  Motivated newspaper managers who are looking to take the next steps in their career. General managers, sales leaders, editors and managers from other disciplines from local newspapers, regional operations or corporate offices are ideal candidates. Candidates should have a proven track record of success in their careers and a commitment to the industry, overall.  

What’s required?  The Executive Development program requires commitment and participation! We are looking for the next generation of leaders who will engage with the program and with their peers to develop a network they can be a part of for years to come. Attendance at the kickoff meeting in April is required and attendance at the wrap-up meeting in October is strongly recommended. 

Cost:  The Executive Development Program costs $750 per participant and includes the in-person meetings in April and October, the virtual sessions and attendance at the 2023 Mega-Conference and 2023 Senior Leadership Conference, which are included at no additional charge.  Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.  The Executive Development Program is being subsidized by the Inland Press Foundation. 

Testimonials:

“If there is any program an up-and-coming executive in the newspaper industry should try their best to get into it’s America's Newspapers Executive Development Program. It was with great honor that I received the invitation to join the inaugural group in 2022 by the senior leadership of Adams Publishing Group. The skills I learned through this program were immeasurably helpful when I was promoted to my new position in 2022. The bonds we forged created relationships outside of the program, giving us the opportunity to call each other for advice and ideas. This has not only been a great asset to me, but also to my company.” — Jeremy Bradfield, senior general manager, APG Eastern Central Minnesota

“This program aligns with our goals at America's Newspapers in building a stronger newspaper industry. We are excited that key industry executives have volunteered to provide key leadership development programs in multiple disciplines to help shape the future leaders in our industry.“ — Nick Monico, chief operating officer, Adams Publishing Group, and chair of the Executive Development Program for America's Newspapers

April Program Agenda (tentative):

Saturday, April 1:

Opening Dinner

Sunday, April 2:

Breakfast

Sessions:

• Leadership in a Disrupted World.
• Building Revenue:  What the sales department of the future looks like and what revenue channels will be most important for newspapers.  
• Digital Transformation:  What everyone needs to know about emerging digital trends in sales and content.
• Acquisitions:  We know newspapers are being sold, but they’re also being bought!  What buyers see in the future of newspapers and what the acquisition world looks like.
• Publishers Roundtable:  Three leading publishers discuss their career paths, challenges they’ve faced, what they’re looking for in the next generation of leaders and what they see as the future of the industry.
• Advocating for Local Newspapers:  What’s going on with legislation and why it’s important for local newspapers to engage with their representatives with content and relationships.
• Culture:  Building the organization for the future. What are the challenges, needs of the new world and how do managers need to adapt?

Virtual Sessions:

• One-On-One With:  Conversations with newspaper leaders about their thoughts for the future. 
• Content:  Top editors talk about how the newsrooms are evolving, content strategies to retain audiences, how they manage content across channels, etc.  
• Finance 101:  How to manage a P&L and build a budget. What metrics are most important and how to use them to manage the organization.
• Production:  Production basics and where the market is headed. Technologies that are streamlining pagination, design, etc.

The Newspaper Executive Development Program is limited to 20 participants from newspapers that are members of America's Newspapers. (For information about membership, contact Patty Slusher at pslusher@newspapers.org.)

Questions about this Newspaper Executive Development Program should be addressed to Patty Slusher, director of programming, America's Newspapers, at pslusher@newspapers.org or call 847-282-9850, ext. 102.