#United States #New York #Digital Transformation #Local Media Consortium #Karen Godin

LMC's 2025 Executive Board: A New Chapter in Digital Leadership

On January 9, 2025, the Local Media Consortium (LMC), a strategic alliance of local media companies, introduced its newly appointed executive board members, ushering in a renewed focus on harnessing digital innovation in the media sector. This move coincides with an evolving landscape, where local media faces challenges and opportunities amid rapid technological advancements.

Key Appointments and Re-elections
Karen Godin of Star Tribune has been re-elected alongside Mark Bullard from Lee Enterprises. New members joining the board include Michael Newman of Graham Media and Paris Brown from The Baltimore Times. Additionally, Zack McGhee will take over the seat for AJC for the remainder of 2025.

Chris Fehrmann, previously a member of the LMC Executive Board since November 2022, steps into the new role of Board Chair. Fehrmann brings over two decades of experience in creating digital solutions tailored for local media as the Vice President of Digital Products at TEGNA. Known for his enthusiasm and commitment, he has also actively contributed to the LMC’s NewsPassID Steering and Broadcast Committees.

A Vision for the Future
Chris Fehrmann expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "After serving on the LMC Executive Board for two years, my commitment to the LMC's mission is stronger than ever. It is an honor to step into the board chair role in 2025." He welcomed the new members, emphasizing LMC's dedication to optimizing digital business strategies in a marketplace influenced by artificial intelligence and ever-expanding digital channels.

Highlighting New Board Members
Michael Newman shines as a Director of Transformation at Graham Media Group. His innovative strategies are pivotal in positioning the company at the forefront of the digital media transition. Newman is celebrated for his ability to lead teams toward revenue-generating solutions while using data-driven goals as the foundation of his work.

Paris Brown, as the Publisher of The Baltimore Times, has demonstrated notable prowess in shifting the publication towards a digital-first paradigm. Through targeted campaigns and innovative revenue approaches, she has significantly increased the paper's digital income and bolstered its online presence. Initiatives led by her include the acclaimed Creatively Black Baltimore arts exhibition and a partnership with the celebrated Maryland Cycling Classic.

Zack McGhee has made his mark as Chief Product Officer at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, transitioning from a decade-long stint with Cox Media Group. His leadership in product innovation has been recognized as transformative, further enhancing the publication's digital offerings.

Board Composition and Strategic Goals
The LMC's board comprises nine elected members and three appointed members, all of whom boast extensive expertise in local media and digital technology. This representation ensures a broad understanding of the industry’s landscape and enables the board to strategize effectively to address the pressing needs of its 150 member organizations, which include more than 5,000 news outlets.

As part of its 2025 agenda, the board remains committed to initiatives that maximize economic impact in local media, such as the recently launched Digital On Demand Services (DODS) and the NewsPassID network for local advertising. Their collaborative efforts with Deloitte have also generated a plethora of projects under the Branded Content Project to enhance member engagement.

Conclusion
The LMC's newly elected board members embody a collective commitment to navigating the digital landscape while prioritizing the unique needs of local media companies. In an era where digital transformation is essential for survival and growth, these leaders are poised to lead the charge, ensuring that their organizations adapt and thrive.

For more information on the Local Media Consortium and its initiatives, visit Local Media Consortium.