• by Sara Guaglione , April 22, 2016

Michael MaLoon has been appointed vice president of innovation at the Newspaper Association of America (NAA), the organization announced Wednesday.

The new position was created “to further the collaboration, advocacy and advancement of the newspaper industry,” according to a statement.

MaLoon told Publishers Daily that because the news industry is “evolving faster than ever before,” NAA has an opportunity to facilitate collaboration and strategic partnerships for its members and expand the NAA’s communication and advocacy efforts.

“The NAA and our members are focused on the changing business of news and the development of business models that will allow news organizations to grow and thrive as their audiences continue to migrate to multiple channels.

"That focus requires a leader, such as a VP of innovation, to not only keep the pace, but also pressure our members and organization to innovate and evolve,” MaLoon said.

MaLoon will also focus on creating new strategic initiatives and partnerships to encourage innovation in the industry.

"Our industry is in the midst of constant evolution and experimentation," stated David Chavern, NAA president and CEO. He added that MaLoon is well positioned to "facilitate strategic conversations and partnerships on behalf of our members.”

MaLoon told PD that his top priority as vice president of innovation will be to cultivate a network of the “smartest minds in the media and tech industries for thought partnership, increased visibility and discover opportunities for collaboration.”

He also wants to ensure he tells “the story that needs to be told about the news industry.”

“Publishers today are pioneering new technologies, research and story formats to better connect with their audience and advertisers — and it’s working. Data shows that the news audience is larger than ever before,” MaLoon added.  

MaLoon most recently served as the director of sales and operations at The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. His previous positions include consulting for NextGen Marketing Group, digital director of The Buffalo News, director of recruitment advertising for Newsday Media Group, president of CyberInk and online director of The Observer-Dispatch.