REACH's brands have been in the news business for over a century, but as media platforms evolve, the traditional local printed paper is no longer the sole gathering place for communities. Yet, local journalists remain the original influencers even as the ways they connect with audiences shift.

James Longhurst, Content Director, The Media Leader chats with Sarah Lester, Editor-in-Chief at the Manchester Evening News, to explore the first-hand transition from print to modern digital formats, highlighting how audience participation and evolving storyteller models help trusted local titles remain essential for both readers and advertisers.