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A programme for spreading actionable ideas

Innovate Local is the only truly global programme for local media professionals. We champion independent journalism, local relevance, and revitalising local advertising to better serve communities. We’re building a global hub for knowledge sharing and networking around the future of sustainable local journalism.

Innovate Local is open to anyone in local news media, from small outlets to local divisions of larger groups. Aligned with our mission, it provides access to our global hub for knowledge sharing and networking. Free for WAN-IFRA members, with a 3-month trial for non-members.

Maike Schiller

Morgan Stevenson

Mattias Wallström

Markus Rask Jensen

Lesley Anne Kelly

Lena Kvist

Gabriel Kahn

Georg Burtscher

Hanna Mansson

Jens Pettersson

LeaNowack Tamedia

Isabel Russ

Francois Cardinal

Allison Taylor Levine

Elinstueland

Anna Bengtsson

Diana Kahsay

Upcoming Webinars

Past Webinars & Speakers

Check back soon

Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.

01

How content collaboration with clubs in and around live sports increases subscriber loyalty at Bonnier News

02

How Newsquest is diversifying into being a local digital marketing agency

03

How Spotlight Delaware has developed a model for mission aligned branded content

04

How DC Thomson use data journalism to track the vitality of city centres

05

Stampen Media’s deliberate strategy and tactics for local e-papers

06

How Borås Tidning’s investigative team builds community connections while driving conversions and supporting the brand

07

How Amedia is reviving traditional recruitment and real estate advertising, delighting readers with local opportunities

08

How Germany's Hamburger Abendblatt is driving conversions

09

Switzerland's Tamedia grows local newsletter portfolio with automation

10

Norway: How Amedia’s AI sandbox will allow reporters to do more

Programme Scope

Journalism & Mission

We feature cases about the journalism at the core of local media, how it’s done and why. From investigative reporting and storytelling formats, to newsroom diversity, creativity and productivity, the role of data and AI as well as how we build our brand with the community.

Audience Development

We focus on how local newsrooms can meet readers where they are, developing relationships with existing and new audiences. This includes user needs models, effective marketing and customer journeys, compelling product and format development, and more.

Revenue Growth

The third leg of our program is the business, specifically revenue growth. We showcase ideas around financial sustainability through innovative and relevant local ad products and subscription models as well as diversification through e g new products, services and events.

Our Offerings

EXPERT-LED WEBINARS

Bi-weekly webinars featuring local media case studies. Great ideas, presented by the people who put them into action.

KNOWLEDGE HUB

Discover Now

Access to resources and case studies addressing challenges faced by local media, offering scalable solutions for growth and innovation.

COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS

Join Our Community

Join a dedicated Slack community where professionals can exchange experiences, collaborate, and seek advice from peers and experts in the field.

EVENTS

Sign Up Here

Gain actionable insights tailored to the challenges and opportunities of local journalism, focusing on real-world applications that can be implemented immediately.

Our Advisory Board

The Advisory Council shapes and guides the initiative’s activities, providing input for content and serving as ambassadors. It represents a diverse mix of local news groups, geographies, genders, and both C-level executives and operational leaders.