APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! DEADLINE IS MAY 30
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Developed with Inspiration from the Inland Press Foundation
Supported by the Inland Press Foundation and the SNPA Foundation
The Executive Development Program is an educational program designed to develop leadership skills and a broader understanding of sustainable business models for local journalism organizations. The program is built to provide newspaper leaders exposure to a wide variety of topics in an engaging learning environment.
There are three mandatory in-person sessions:
- July 8-10, 2025; New Orleans
- November 2 -3, 2025; The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs (Senior Leadership Conference)
- March 30 - April 1, 2026; Austin, TX (2026 Mega-Conference)
The ideal participant is a newly identified leader (but with some management experience) or seasoned leaders who need to learn new skills and tactics.
It is an ideal program for prospective publishers and general managers or for current publishers and general managers looking to advance their skill and gain exposure to new areas.
Who Should Apply?
Motivated newspaper leaders who are looking to take the next steps in their career. Publishers of small newspapers, general managers, sales leaders, editors and managers from other disciplines from local newspapers, regional operations or corporate offices are ideal candidates.
Watch for applications for the 2025-26 Class!
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MAY 30
Program Designed for Newspaper Leaders
The Executive Development Program is built to help small market publishers and emerging leaders develop their skills and experiences.
The curriculum of the program will be tactical, developmental and inspirational, with participants gaining exposure to multiple disciplines. The sessions will be led by industry veterans and professional leadership trainers who will provide an overview of the business of newspapers and a roadmap for the skills needed to be successful.
· Immersive Networking: Expand your professional network through dedicated sessions that encourage meaningful connections and knowledge-sharing among participants.
· Leadership Development: Gain invaluable insights into effective leadership from industry experts. Participate in interactive discussions, share experiences, and discover the traits that define successful leaders.
· Advocacy and Industry Relevance: Reignite your passion for the newspaper industry as we explore its enduring relevance and the importance of advocacy in driving positive change.
· Financial Mastery: Dive into the fundamentals of financial management, equipping you with the skills to make informed decisions and drive profitability.
· Local News Matters: Learn how to expand vital role of local journalism in our communities and discover strategies to enhance your storytelling and engage audiences.
· People Management: Develop effective leadership strategies for managing diverse teams, handling crises, and fostering a positive work environment that empowers your people.
· Audience Growth Strategies: Discover proven techniques for building and retaining a loyal audience base through strategic pricing, promotions, and exceptional customer service.
· Digital Transformation: Gain insights into the latest digital trends and technologies, equipping you to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape successfully.
· Advertising Revenue Strategies: Explore innovative approaches to identify new advertising categories, leverage needs analysis, and create compelling packages that maximize revenue streams.
Kick off in New Orleans!
The Executive Development program is a mix of in-person and virtual meetings and to get the most out of the program candidates must commit to attending.
The group will meet in New Orleans on July 8-10, 2025 for an intensive day and a half of sessions, discussions and activities. The meeting will be held at the offices of the Times Picayune in the heart of New Orleans.
Apply Today! Scholarships Available!
This program is sponsored by America’s Newspapers,the Inland Press Foundation, SNPA Foundation and others to keep the cost as low as possible.
Registration is $250 per person, and includes all meals during the program and registration for the opening session, the Senior Leadership Conference and the 2026 Mega-Conference. Participants are expected to pay their own travel and lodging costs.
Scholarships may be available for participants that attend all three in-person events to offset travel and lodging expense for applicants meeting the criteria. Preference will be given to newspapers in rural markets and small newspaper publishers, however all applicants are invited to submit a scholarship request.