The Mountain-Ear’s Evolving Legacy: How a small-town paper captured a tech entrepreneur's heart and investment

Local News Matters

The Mountain-Ear, nestled in Nederland, Colorado, has long been a cherished source of community journalism. With a tech entrepreneur's recent investment aimed at preserving the paper's legacy and supporting its evolution, both he and editor/publisher (and former owner) Barbara Hardt join us to discuss their journeys. Barbara discusses her multifaceted role, the challenges and rewards of "professional juggling," and the paper's innovative ventures, from podcasting to community partnerships. It's a glimpse into the enduring value of local news and the individuals dedicated to its future.

Episode chapters:

(02:10) - Why a tech entrepreneur bought this print newspaper

(06:30) - Barbara Hardt’s background at the paper and plans for the future

(09:33) - About Nederland, Colorado and the Mountain-Ear

(15:17) - On being a “professional juggler”

(18:32) - Producing a local news podcast

(21:46) - Managing interns with a small team

(23:43) - Partnering with local organizations

(30:03) - Advice for small publishers looking to engage the community beyond print

(33:47) - Accountability reporting at a small community paper

Links

• Mountain-Ear: web, Facebook, Instagram

• The Mountain-Ear Podcast: web, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

• Barbara Hardt: LinkedIn

• Christian Vanek: LinkedIn

• Local News Matters: web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

• Colorado Press Association: web, Twitter, Facebook

• Tim Regan-Porter: bio, Twitter

For show notes, transcripts, newsletter sign-up and past guests on the Local News Matters podcast, please visit localnewsmatterspodcast.com or lnmpod.com.

Past guests on the Local News Matters podcast include: Dan Grech, Zack Richner, Tracie Powell, Dan Oshinsky, Linda Shapley, Yehong Zhu and Jake Seaton, Charity Huff, Joaquin Alvarado and Dave Perry, Steve Waldman, Maritza Félix, Michael Bolden, Jeff Roberts and Corey Hutchins, Eve Pearlman and Erica Anderson, Jennifer Brandel, Corey Hutchins with Bay Edwards, Todd Chamberlain and Raleigh Burleigh.