Virginia Press Association

10/17/2026

What happens to a community when its local news disappears?

Dr. Nick Mathews explores that question in his book "Deserted: Life Without Local News in Rural America." Join him and VPA Executive Director Steve Weddle online Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. for a conversation about the book and why local journalism matters.

This is the first event in VPA’s new author series, "What Else Should I Know?: Conversations with Authors."

The program is free, but registration is required. Save your spot: https://tinyurl.com/3as7j56t

10/16/2026

Zoe Slapshak has joined Commonwealth Media Solutions, the advertising division of the Virginia Press Association, as our media account representative.

She brings a background in graphic design, digital media and client relations, and we’re excited to have her working with our members and advertising partners.

Get to know Zoe:

10/06/2026

It’s National Newspaper Week! This week, we celebrate the Virginia newspapers that keep their communities informed, tell the stories that matter and provide trusted local journalism every day. From small towns to growing cities, newspapers remain rooted in the communities they serve and committed to telling their stories. https://www.nationalnewspaperweek.com/

09/24/2026

Congrats to , which received LION Publishers’ 2026 Financial Health Award for building a sustainable news operation. Judges cited the nonprofit outlet’s revenue and subscriber growth, community engagement, diversified revenue streams and budget management. Read:

News Non-Profits September 16, 2026 Fredericksburg Free Press wins LION Publishers’ Financial Health Award by FFP staff The Fredericksburg Free Press was honored for its success in building a strong financial foundation for its news operation at the recent LION Publishers Sustainability Awards dur...

09/17/2026

A really good conversation about local journalism last night at Washington and Lee University in Lexington. It was especially nice to see so many VPA members represented on the “Meet the Press” panel, including Megan Schabel of Cardinal News, Angilee Shah of Charlottesville Tomorrow, Darryl Woodson of The News-Gazette, Lexington, Va, Doug Harwood of The Rockbridge Advocate, and Chris Coates of Lee Enterprises, along with David Seidel at WVTF Music and RADIO IQ

They shared their perspectives on the landscape of local journalism, how newsrooms make coverage decisions and some of the issues they’re facing in their communities.

Thanks to Eric Deggans, Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at W&L, for leading the conversation and Washington and Lee University for bringing these Virginia news leaders together!

09/16/2026

Several Virginia news leaders will take the stage at Washington and Lee University today for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing local journalism.

The “Meet the Press” panel will feature journalists from Radio IQ, Charlottesville Tomorrow, the Rockbridge Advocate, Cardinal News, The News-Gazette and Lee Enterprises. Topics include misinformation, AI, journalism ethics and how newsrooms make coverage decisions.

The free, public discussion begins at 5:30 p.m. in Lexington. Read more at

Washington and Lee University will host a “Meet the Press” panel with Virginia journalists at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 in Hillel House, located on W&L’s campus at 117 W. Washington St. The panel i…

09/11/2026

Ricky Young joined Cardinal News as editor-in-chief in late August.

Young brings more than 35 years of experience in local journalism, including more than 25 years as an editor.

He will lead Cardinal’s journalism team as the nonprofit news organization expands its reporting across Southwest and Southside Virginia. Read full story at Cardinal News ➡️https://tinyurl.com/2td7c76j

Ricky Young plans to focus on accountability journalism for Southwest and Southside Virginia.

09/04/2026

VPA Webinar: How to Sell Digital Advertising

Getting ghosted by advertisers? Hearing “We don’t have the budget” or “We just use social media”?

Join VPA at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, for a free webinar with Kenny Katzgrau, founder of BroadStreet Ads, on approaching digital ad sales differently and showing advertisers the value local media can deliver.

Learn practical ways to reduce ghosting, overcome common objections, charge rates that reflect your value and compete more effectively with Facebook and Google.

Whether you’re new to digital ad sales or have years of experience, you’ll leave with strategies you can put to work right away.

Register free: https://tinyurl.com/bddzstwb

08/24/2026

📣 The 2026 VPA FOIA Guides are here!

Our new Reporter’s Guide to Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act is ready to help Virginia journalists navigate FOIA and get the information they need.

Editors & Publishers: The guides will be going out over the next couple of weeks. Please email [email protected] with:

▶️ How many guides you need
▶️ Your updated mailing address, if it has changed

Be sure to get your request in so we can make sure your newsroom gets the guides it needs!

08/14/2026

Watch: The News-Gazette marks 225 years with a new documentary on the paper’s history.

The Lexington community celebrated the milestone Thursday at The Livery, along with publisher Matt Paxton, his wife, Lynne, and the paper’s staff.

The News-Gazette traces its roots to 1801, and four generations of the Paxton family have been involved with the newspaper. Today, the paper serves Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County.

Watch video: https://tinyurl.com/y2kretup