Good morning – I’m in Chicago for the annual LION publishers conference for the fourth time.
LION (Local Independent Online News) is a growing organization whose members work to fill news gaps (some call it news deserts) that have emerged in many communities as legacy media continue to cut positions.
Typically, sites serve communities and neighborhoods in areas that range from Brooklyn, NY to rural Oklahoma. Delaware Business Now is one of two sites that specialize in business news.
Members range from start-ups with no revenue to multimillion-dollar operations.
Attendance at this year’s conference has swelled to about 200 from about 70 a few years ago.
The emphasis during the past couple of conferences has centered on revenue models that can sustain online enterprises.
Some sites have opted for the nonprofit model that uses sponsorships and donations. Others rely on advertising and one site has found success in putting content behind a paywall.
For this website and newsletter, the information gained at LION conferences has been a key to success and profitability. Our recent web and newsletter redesign were the result of contacts made at the LION conference.
Entrepreneurial online publishers are happy to share their successes and setbacks at the conference.
Along the way, there’s a good chance of getting a dose of inspiration that comes from being around people committed to their communities.
Your thoughts, tips and ideas are always appreciated. If this newsletter was passed along, click here to subscribe at no charge. –Doug Rainey, Publisher
