The National Trust for Local News, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving local journalism, has announced a significant leadership change. Tom Wiley, currently the president and publisher of The Buffalo News, is set to become the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust, assuming his role on May 12. The organization, which owns a substantial portion of Maine’s daily newspapers, operates with a mission to support local news coverage across states including Georgia, Colorado, and Maine.
The leadership transition reflects the National Trust’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its commitment to local journalism amidst a challenging media landscape. Newspapers throughout the United States have been grappling with declining subscriptions and advertising revenue, prompting organizations like the National Trust to seek sustainable models for local news.
In recent developments, the Maine Trust for Local News, a subsidiary of the National Trust, announced a cost-cutting strategy involving the reduction or elimination of print editions for some of its weekly newspapers, alongside a shift to mail delivery for certain dailies. This restructuring will result in the reduction of approximately 50 positions, which constitutes about 13% of its workforce.
Wiley, who is the second CEO of the National Trust, succeeds co-founder Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro. Beginning his career in advertising at the Lansing State Journal in Michigan, Wiley has held leadership roles at several prominent newspapers, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Wisconsin State Journal, before his tenure at The Buffalo News starting in 2020.
As he prepares to take on his new role, Wiley plans to remain based in Buffalo while actively engaging with the newsrooms in Maine, Georgia, and Colorado. His initial priorities include fostering strong communication with the National Trust’s 450 employees and gathering insights into the effectiveness of its journalism.
While the organization does not presently have plans to acquire additional properties, Wiley remains open to future opportunities that align with the Trust’s mission. He has expressed eagerness to meet potential donors and boost fundraising efforts, emphasizing that investment in the Trust is crucial for sustaining its mission.
Founded in 2021, the National Trust for Local News aims to preserve local newspapers and establish a sustainable future for local journalism in the United States. The organization is nationally supported by foundational and philanthropic donations, while its state subsidiaries operate under a traditional newspaper business model.
In tandem with Wiley’s appointment, the National Trust has also named Keith Mestrich as the new board chair. Mestrich, who resides in New Harbor and has extensive experience in financial services and labor leadership, succeeds Marc Hand, co-founder of the National Trust. Mestrich is committed to supporting local journalism and understands its vital role in democracy.
Stefanie Manning, managing director of the Maine Trust for Local News, expressed enthusiasm for Wiley’s leadership, affirming the importance of strong national guidance in sustaining local journalism at the state level.