HyLo News Senior Reporter Justin B. Smith reflects on the people, ideas and lessons he brought home after representing the publication at the Local Media Association conference in Chicago.
My time in Chicago was amazing.
Being surrounded by people who genuinely care about media, journalism and the future of local news reminded me why this work matters. From meeting journalists and media leaders to eating more than a few Chicago hot dogs and attending a Cubs versus White Sox game at Wrigley Field, the trip gave me an opportunity to learn, connect and experience the city.
The main reason I traveled to Chicago was to represent HyLo News at Local Media Fest 2026, hosted by the Local Media Association from Aug. 18 to 20 at the Gleacher Center.
Although I missed most of the first day (traveling can be so unpredictable!), day two was everything I needed it to be. The conversations were insightful, the sessions were relevant and the people I met were passionate about helping local media organizations grow.
As a journalist and social media strategist, I entered the conference thinking about how Hy-Lo News could continue expanding its audience, strengthening its reporting and creating new revenue opportunities. I left Chicago with ideas that could help us accomplish all three.
One of my biggest takeaways came from a session about partnering with creators, presented by Jennifer Chang, senior director of innovation and experimentation at the Houston Chronicle.
Chang shared how a creator posted content about the Houston Chronicle’s latest food critic list and helped drive additional traffic to the publication’s website. It was a clear example of what can happen when a trusted creator introduces journalism to an audience in a way that feels natural and engaging.
For Hy-Lo News, this could mean partnering with South Florida creators who focus on politics, culture, food, entertainment and community issues.
These partnerships could extend beyond asking someone to repost a story. Hy-Lo could invite creators to attend events, participate in community conversations or help distribute reporting that directly connects with their audiences.
Every partnership should also have a measurable purpose. That could include increasing website traffic, growing our newsletter, gaining new followers or directing people to a voter guide, livestream or community story.
The session reinforced the importance of understanding the differences between influencers, content creators and creator journalists. Influencers bring reach and audience trust. Content creators produce original digital content. Creator journalists use digital platforms to share original reporting and analysis grounded in verified facts.
Regardless of the title, the most important thing is identifying people who share Hy-Lo News’ values and already have meaningful relationships within the communities we serve.
Trust was a consistent theme throughout the conference. Local journalism is about more than publishing information. It is about helping people understand what is happening around them and how decisions affect their lives.
That responsibility is especially important for Hy-Lo News as we cover Black communities throughout South Florida. Our reporting on elections, local government, culture, housing and other community issues must remain accessible, accurate and connected to the people most affected.
The conference reminded me that local news organizations do not have to compete with every creator or platform. We can collaborate with trusted messengers who can help accurate information reach people who may not regularly visit a traditional news website.
Another session that stood out featured Nikita Roy, founder of Newsroom Robots, who discussed artificial intelligence and the future of newsrooms.
“AI is not the story,” Roy told attendees. “The story is about the decisions that get made.”
That perspective moved the conversation beyond simply asking what artificial intelligence can do. The more important question is how decisions involving AI affect people, communities and access to trustworthy information.
It’s essential that human judgment remain at the center of the process. Verification of facts and sources, context, and accountability cannot be removed from journalism. Technology can support our work, but it cannot replace our responsibility to the communities we cover.
Funding was another major part of the conference and one of the most important areas for Hy-Lo News’ future.
Local media organizations cannot depend on traditional advertising alone. Newsrooms must explore grants, sponsorships, philanthropic partnerships and other resources that support public service journalism.
I learned more about platforms such as NewsFuel, which helps local journalism leaders discover grants, fellowships, awards and other funding opportunities.
The Local Media Association also offers programs that help newsrooms build relationships with foundations, donors, and community partners. These resources could help Hy-Lo News strengthen its funding strategy while developing journalism projects with clear community impact.
Beyond the sessions, one of the best parts of Local Media Fest was meeting so many amazing people. Every conversation reminded me that local journalism is filled with people who are still willing to experiment, collaborate and fight for the future of trusted news.
Being in that environment inspired me personally and professionally.
The experience was not limited to the conference rooms. Local Media Fest also gave attendees an opportunity to experience Chicago. I enjoyed plenty of hot dogs and felt the energy of Wrigley Field as the Cubs faced the White Sox during the Crosstown Series.
Still, the most valuable thing I brought home was a renewed sense of purpose.
Hy-Lo News is already producing journalism for an important and often underserved community. Our next opportunity is to connect that reporting with stronger creator partnerships, measurable audience growth and a sustainable funding strategy.
Chicago gave me new ideas, new connections and a clearer understanding of what is possible for Hy-Lo News. Now, it is time to turn those lessons into action.
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