In partnership with
Dennis and Rob sat down with Dennis Anderson, publisher of the Montrose Daily Press, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to run a local newspaper in the digital age.
And trust us — it’s way more complicated (and interesting) than you think.
From Retail to Running a Newspaper
Dennis shares how a 19-year career in retail unexpectedly led him into publishing.
Spoiler: he says being a newspaper publisher isn’t a job — it’s a lifestyle.
When Local Government Gets Very Local
They dive into the growing passion (and tension) around local issues, including a school board meeting that brought over 1,000 community members together.
Yes… a thousand. For a school board meeting.
Turns out, local news matters more than ever.
Fighting the Doom Scroll
Why does local journalism still matter in a world of endless social media?
The conversation explores:
Balanced reporting vs opinion culture
Why trusted local news is an antidote to internet chaos
The responsibility media has to rebuild public trust
Paywalls, Transparency & Public Access
Dennis explains how newspapers decide when critical information should be free for the community — and how they balance sustainability with public service.
It’s a fascinating look at the decisions readers never see.
Why Local News Still Connects Communities
The episode wraps with a heartfelt discussion about the things in Montrose that haven’t changed — and why community storytelling is still so powerful.
If you care about Montrose, community, or just want a peek behind the curtain of local media… you’ll love this one.
Listen to the full episode now
Huge Thank You to Our Underwriters
Key Highlights:
Career Path: Dennis Anderson shares his journey from working in retail for 19 years to becoming a newspaper publisher, a role he describes more as a lifestyle than a traditional job (10:34-14:35).
Local Governance: The group discusses the intense community interest in local government, specifically noting a school board meeting that drew over 1,000 attendees due to heated debates over policy and administrative changes (15:58-16:15, 21:18-23:03).
The Role of Journalism: They explore the importance of balanced reporting versus opinion-based commentary, emphasizing that local newspapers serve as a vital antidote to the "doom scrolling" found on social media (27:35-33:53).
Media Responsibility: Anderson explains the necessity of maintaining high standards of research and transparency to rebuild public trust, including strategic decisions on when to move important news from behind a paywall to ensure community access (34:14-35:46).
Community Connection: The conversation concludes with a discussion on how the Montrose Daily Press maintains a broad reach despite the evolution of the media landscape, and Anderson shares his appreciation for the core elements of the community that have remained consistent over the years (42:26-55:51).
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