• by Ray Schultz , October 15, 2023

John Derr is about to join the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, a group that serves local media companies, after five years as publisher of the Chestnut Hill Local. 

He hopes to have “a positive impact on the Local and other newspapers” at the Harrisburg-based association. 

Derr is credited with keeping the Local alive during a difficult period. 

“During the pandemic, shuttering the Local became a real possibility," writes Joel S. Barras, president, Chestnut Hill Local board of directors. “John reorganized and streamlined operations, increased revenue from existing and new streams, and secured PPP loans, grants and community donations generously given by our supporters.”

Derr concedes that one area where he was not successful was “putting the Local on firm financial footing with cash reserves and the ability to expand into new areas and launch new digital products.”

He continues, “There are still more than a few payroll weeks a year that I have needed to hold my breath and suck in my gut as we squeak through.”

Derr also offered this mordant comment: “Independent newspapers all over the country are closing or selling to major chains or hedge funds such as Alden Global Capital. It’s like sending your dog to live with Cruella DeVil because you can’t afford to feed it." 

The NewsMedia Association says its mission is to offer money-saving services and solutions to newspapers.