The months-long election season is taxing enough as newsrooms stretch resources to monitor candidates and campaigns in addition to delivering everyday reports. All aspects of election coverage are put under the microscope. Fairness and consistency are paramount in today’s supercharged political environment.

By Jim Pumarlo, Consultant

Newsrooms should brainstorm now to develop plans. The stronger your organization, the better you’ll be in to handle unexpected circumstances that are certain to arise.

Election season is under way. Many would say the cycle never ends. No sooner are votes tallied than strategists eye the next election. Make no mistake, many lawmakers routinely cast votes with one eye on policy and one eye on politics, especially if they are in swing districts.

Office-holders are scrutinized more than ever in today’s political dynamics. In turn, media are under the microscope.

By Jim Pumarlo, Consultant

Editors are regularly solicited to publish news that puts merchants in good standing. In small communities, grip-and-grin photos of check presentations often dominate the requests. The topic generated a healthy conversation in an editors’ hotline during the holiday season of charitable giving. To no surprise, approaches covered the landscape. Editors know their communities best and incorporate policies accordingly.

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant

Local governments are putting the finishing touches on 2026 operations as this year nears a close. Budgets and tax levies have been presented to citizens, debated and adopted. Most newsrooms have been there at each step reporting on individual budgets of city, school, county and other bodies with taxing authority. Pause for a moment. Is your work done? Have you given readers a complete picture?

By Jim Pumarlo, consultant

The Hallmark Channel wrapped up its movie lineup for those who love to celebrate Christmas in July. With fall now upon us, it is the time to start planning keepsake year-end editions. Seize the opportunity to produce solid content and generate revenue.

By Jim Pumarlo, consultant

Many operations may gasp at the thought of producing another special section. Begin taking baby steps now, and the task will not seem so foreboding.

Abbott limits THC products to those 21 and older

After two special sessions ended without lawmakers agreeing on how to regulate the state’s THC market, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order restricting the use of products infused with the psychoactive cannabis compound to adults age 21 and older, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Today’s hyper-partisan political climate has put all media – including the community press – in everyone’s crosshairs. The examination extends beyond opinion pages, which always have drawn extra scrutiny.

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant

Readers increasingly question the five Ws and H of reporting: Who is the source for a story? What is reported, and what is omitted? Where does the story appear, front page or inside? When does the paper choose to pursue a story? Why is or isn’t something reported? How is the story told?

Editors are regularly challenged: What mix of stories and photos will collectively make this edition a “must see” for readers and advertisers? There is no universal formula.

The first step in any market, however, is to know your community. Fundamental to providing pertinent coverage is living in the neighborhoods where your readers work and play.

By JIM PUMARLO, consultant

As youths we all likely tried to hide bad behavior from our parents. The truth inevitably surfaced, and we bore the brunt of punishment. Lesson: Be up front with circumstances and repercussions typically are minimized.

By Jim Pumarlo, consultant

Newspapers should communicate the same lesson to public officials who try to keep secret what they deem sensitive or unwelcome news: Be forthright. Make it standard procedure to volunteer the news and minimize rumors.

One of my greatest satisfactions sitting behind the editor’s desk was appreciating the newspaper had a pulse of the community. Credit extended beyond the newsroom; all employees served as our collective eyes and ears. 

By JIM PURMARLO, Consultant

Delivering news is hard work, as editors well know. Stories don’t just fall in your lap. You must develop news sources, which can be a painstaking process. Sources willingly share good news. When bad news surfaces, they often create detours and roadblocks.