Lenfest Institute CEO Jim Friedlich on what’s working in local news

Beneficial ownership combined with strong user revenues

Posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026 11:42 am

Tim Franklin | State of Local News Podcast

In the sixth episode of the State of Local News Podcast, host Tim Franklin — professor, John M. Mutz Chair in Local News, and founding director of the Medill Local News Initiative — speaks with Jim Friedlich, CEO of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism.

Friedlich joins Tim Franklin on the State of Local News Podcast to reflect on the Lenfest Institute’s decade-long journey to becoming one of the most influential journalism organizations in the country: investing more than $117 million in more than 600 news organizations and initiatives to support local news innovation, business sustainability and newsroom transformation. He also discusses The Philadelphia Inquirer’s digital transformation, the growing role of nonprofit ownership in local news, challenges facing commercial news organizations today and how AI is reshaping journalism. Friedlich discusses why local news organizations must embrace emerging technologies while continuing to invest in trusted reporting, sustainable business models and serving the community’s information needs.

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Lenfest Institute CEO Jim Friedlich on what’s working in local news

Beneficial ownership combined with strong user revenues

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