Scott Finn

3 weeks ago | current.org | Scott Finn |Mike Janssen

If you’ve ever worked in a newsroom, you’ll recognize this moment: the turning point when you switch from business as usual to all hands on deck. Think about Sept. 11., Jan. 6 or the start of the pandemic. At some point, you realize you need to stop everything and throw all resources at the emergency. We are now experiencing that moment in public media. Even though the law prevents it, the president is attempting to replace CPB board members and immediately end federal funding.

Sep 6, 2024 | current.org | Scott Finn |Mike Janssen

When I started writing this column about the future of federal funding, President Biden was trailing in the polls, Donald Trump had just survived an assassination attempt, and unified GOP control of Congress seemed more likely than not. What a difference a few weeks can make! Now, the Democrats seem as likely as Republicans to take unified control of Congress and the presidency. Even more likely is divided government, where no one party will control the presidency and both houses of Congress.

Jul 15, 2024 | current.org | Scott Finn |Mike Janssen

We’re seeing a depressing litany of layoffs and cutbacks in public media, especially among large news-focused organizations that bet big on growing online audiences. After a decade of digital expansion, some stations are pulling back. Now, they face a stark choice: go back to broadcast basics, double down on digital, or try to do both, all with less money than before. Even stations that have excelled in reaching a broader and more diverse audience are struggling to turn it into revenue.

Apr 17, 2024 | current.org | Scott Finn

What are the thorniest strategic questions you face? The ones that keep you up at night, but you have no idea where to start? Current is here to help!In a new monthly column, public media veteran Scott Finn taps into the wisdom of the system to find answers and help you learn how to use them. Like the brood of cicadas hatching this spring, every few years an “NPR is biased” story erupts and goes viral.

Apr 8, 2024 | current.org | Scott Finn

What are the questions that keep you up at night? Current is here to help!In this column, public media veteran Scott Finn taps into the wisdom of the system to find answers. This time, he helps university licensees make the case to university officials. Future columns will look at state and community licensees. A new university president. An enrollment decline. A budget cut from the legislature.