Application process has closed for Newspaper Executive Development Program

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 and four virtual meetings.

If selected, there is a cost to take part: $500 per participant, which includes the in-person meetings in April and October and the virtual sessions.

Participants can add on attendance at the Mega-Conference or the annual meeting for 50% off the prevailing rate.

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.

The application process has closed.

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 9-10 at the JW Marriott in Orlando as part of the 2022 Mega-Conference. 
• Four virtual meetings (via Zoom in May, June, July and August).
• The wrap-up session will be Oct. 14-15 at The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans as part of the America’s Newspapers annual meeting.  

Who should attend?  Upwardly mobile and 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 primary candidates, although other levels of organizations also will be considered. 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 $500 per participant and includes the in-person meetings in April and October and the virtual sessions.  Participants can add on attendance at the Mega-Conference or the annual meeting for 50% off the prevailing rate.   Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.  The Executive Development Program is being subsidized by the Inland Press Foundation. 

April Program Agenda (tentative):

Saturday, April 9:

Opening Dinner

Sunday, April 10:

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 25 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.