This session explores the essential skills editors need to lead in today’s faster, more complex and more visible newsroom environment. As editors take on expanded roles as strategists, coaches, technologists and guardians of public trust, success more than ever depends on clear priorities, strong audience awareness and sound judgment under pressure.
The toolkit provides practical frameworks for understanding audiences, coaching reporters, making smart editorial decisions, using metrics and AI responsibly, and building sustainable newsroom systems.
Meet the Presenters:
Allison Petty, director – local news, Lee Enterprises, leads digital strategy and audience growth across the company’s more than 70 news organizations. With a background as an executive editor focused on newsroom performance and sustainability, Allison specializes in helping newsrooms connect more effectively with their audiences while maintaining strong journalistic standards.
Chris Coates, senior director – local news, Lee Enterprises, oversees newsrooms in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and South Carolina. Chris has extensive experience guiding teams through the transition to modern, digital-first journalism.