• by Sara Guaglione , September 30, 2019

The Local Media Association has chosen five African-American newspapers to be part of a new initiative to grow local news’ digital businesses.

The program, called Accelerate Local, will work with The Atlanta Voice, The Dallas Weekly, New York Amsterdam News, Houston Defender and The Washington Informer.

LMA will help those publishers grow digital revenue throughout the six-month program, providing training and resources.

The five newspapers currently get just 9.5% of their revenue from digital.

“The black press, like the rest of the local media industry, needs help when it comes to digital transformation strategies,” stated Nancy Lane, president of Local Media Association.

“We are delighted to launch the first industry effort focused on a strong digital future for publishers of color. We invite other funders, R&D partners and philanthropists to join our efforts and help this important segment of the local media industry,” she added.

Local Media Association is dedicating six figures to the program from its own foundation, as well as contributions from members and vendors, according to Poynter.

The industry organization serves more than 3,000 newspapers, TV stations, digital news sites, radio stations, directories and research and development partners. Its aim is to help local media with sustainable business models.