NEMOnews Media Group Named to E&P’s 2025 “Media That Matters” Class

By superadmin | July 23, 2025

Mike and Sue Scott attended the 2024 Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol, where press members visited with legislators. The event concluded with a lunch at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City. Behind Mike and Sue, then-Governor Mike Parson answered questions from publishers, editor and reports. Photo credit: Matt Barba, Missouri Press Association.

Editor & Publisher Magazine has named NEMOnews Media Group as one of 15 news organizations nationwide and abroad in its prestigious “Media That Matters” Class of 2025. The honorees, recognized for their commitment to impactful, community-centered journalism, are featured in the July/August issue of E&P. Below is the feature as it appeared in E&P:

NEMOnews Media Group, Kahoka, Missouri

Starting in 2003 with three local newspapers, NEMOnews Media Group has grown into a resilient, locally-owned network of newspapers serving seven counties across rural northeast Missouri. Bringing multiple publications back from the “brink of extinction,” their focus has been not just to preserve the papers but to transform them — with digitized operations, streamlined printing and mailing systems, updated websites, and rebuilt newsrooms. Through this work, NEMOnews Media Group has endeavored to restore civic trust and strengthen democracy at the local level with innovative content that is deeply rooted in community values.

Can you share one specific story, initiative or innovation your publication produced/created that you believe best exemplifies the kind of Media That Matters?
A standout example of our commitment to meaningful, community-first journalism was our comprehensive coverage of three school bond issues in districts in northeast Missouri over the past few years. In the Clark County R-1, Palmyra R-1 and Milan C-2 school districts, we produced an in-depth, multi-part series highlighting aging facilities, building safety vulnerabilities, and how the proposed upgrades would improve our students’ learning experience. Rather than simply reporting ballot language, we took the time to explain the financial implications, spotlight building conditions with photos and interviews, and explain the issues.

These stories not only informed voters but helped build trust and consensus. In all three districts, the bond issues passed by solid margins — votes that have led to safer, more modern and more energy efficient schools for hundreds of students.

What advice would you offer to other news organizations seeking to deepen their relevance and impact in the communities they serve?
“The key to long-term relevance is staying relentlessly local,” said Mike Scott. “Cover the city council meetings, the Friday night games, the school plays and all the chicken dinner fundraisers — stories that bigger outlets miss but are the heart of a community’s identity.”

“Be present, consistent and accurate. Your audience needs to see that you care as much about their town as they do,” Sue Scott added.

“Use technology wisely. At NEMOnews Media Group, we have embraced tools like AI for research and editing, Presteligence for layout and online posting, social media for live sports and meeting coverage — but never at the cost of authenticity or community connection. Technology should enhance and expand your work, not replace or shortcut it.”

“Take on the hard issues, but walk the fine line between comprehensive reporting without tearing down your communities. A local newspaper is the living, breathing history of the community — updated weekly. Every edition contributes to the permanent record of small-town life. Treat that responsibility with the seriousness it deserves, and your readers will respond with loyalty, support and trust.”

(reprinted with permission)

NEMOnews Media Group is proud to be recognized alongside 14 other distinguished organizations across the U.S. and abroad, all working to redefine what local journalism can be:

· The Baltimore Banner – Baltimore, Maryland

· Cleveland Jewish Publication Company – Cleveland, Ohio

· High Country Spotlight and Shopper – Paonia, Colorado

·Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley Journalism – Berkeley, California

· La Raza Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

· Murrow News Fellowship, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University – Pullman, Washington

· New Jersey Urban News – Newark, New Jersey

· Newsberg – Newberg, Oregon

· Richmond Times-Dispatch – Mechanicsville, Virginia

· The Santa Fe New Mexican – Santa Fe, New Mexico

· Star Media – Luverne, Minnesota

· TAPinto and Hyperlocal News Network – New Providence, New Jersey

· U.S. Military Publishing – Woodstock, Illinois

· Wanaka App/iAppNetwork – Wanaka, New Zealand

Editor & Publisher (E&P), founded in 1901, is the leading trade publication covering the news publishing industry. Often called the “authoritative voice of news media,” E&P honors innovation and excellence through features like the annual “Media That Matters” list.

To view the July/August issue of E&P online, visit editorandpublisher.com