What does it take to build a local news organization that can still be serving its community 100 years from now?
That’s the question hundreds of local news publishers, editors, reporters, entrepreneurs and media leaders will gather to explore July 1 at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, for “Born to Run the Local News,” a unique event that combines practical publishing strategies with a broader conversation about the future of local journalism.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed, giving news professionals across the country an opportunity to participate virtually. The timing could hardly be more relevant.
Local news organizations continue to face mounting challenges from AI-driven disruption, platform dependency, shrinking staffs, evolving advertising markets, political polarization, audience fragmentation and growing concerns about community engagement. Yet at the same time, new independent publishers, nonprofit newsrooms, hyperlocal startups and entrepreneurial media leaders are proving that local journalism remains both necessary and viable.
“This isn’t a task for anybody ordinary,” organizers write in describing the event. “This is a task for those born to do it.”
Led by Kenny Katzgrau, publisher of redbankgreen and founder of Broadstreet, the event aims to move beyond the industry’s familiar narratives of decline and focus instead on building durable, community-centered news organizations. Katzgrau describes the event as more than another industry conference. In a recent social media post promoting the gathering, he challenged local news professionals to think beyond the daily pressures of publishing and focus on long-term sustainability. “If you were born to run the local news, and you’re building a local news outlet meant to last 100 years, join us July 1,” he wrote, calling the event “a hell of a local news gathering.”
The setting itself carries symbolism.
For decades, the Stone Pony has been associated with New Jersey’s music culture and the spirit of Bruce Springsteen, whose songs often celebrated resilience, community and ordinary people confronting extraordinary challenges. Organizers hope to bring that same energy to a discussion about local journalism’s future.
The program will focus on both practical tactics and long-term vision, including:
The event’s speaker lineup includes local news innovators, hyperlocal publishing pioneers and independent media operators who have built sustainable organizations in an increasingly challenging environment.
While many industry gatherings focus heavily on technology, platforms or policy discussions, “Born to Run the Local News” appears designed to address a more fundamental question: How do publishers create institutions strong enough to outlast the current moment?
That question carries particular significance as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
Local journalism has historically played a central role in informing communities, strengthening civic engagement and documenting local history. Yet many communities have watched news organizations shrink or disappear entirely over the past two decades.
The event’s organizers argue that rebuilding local news requires more than new tools or business models. It requires a renewed commitment to mission, community and long-term thinking.
For those unable to make the trip to New Jersey, the livestream provides an opportunity to participate in the conversation from anywhere.
Whether you’re a publisher, editor, reporter, revenue leader, founder or simply someone committed to the future of local journalism, the event promises a mix of practical ideas, honest discussion and optimism about what’s still possible.
After all, the future of local news won’t be built by algorithms alone. It will be built by people willing to do the difficult work of serving their communities day after day.
As the event’s organizers put it: Long live local news.
Virtual attendance registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3117799664769/WN_eSr4MY8ARIWWgWa6oau7kg
In-person registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/born-to-run-the-local-news-stone-pony-tickets-1988830444397
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