Axios CEO Jim VandeHei believes AI will save local news. Not “help.” Save.
He’s our keynote at Local News Camp, and he’ll be interviewed live by Kyle Villemain, CEO of The Assembly.
Jim has built two of the most successful media companies of the past 20 years (Politico, then Axios). Here’s why we wanted him on the Camp stage right now.
Use code LENFEST for $100 off your ticket.
01
His strong takes on AI as the future of operating a media business — at any scale
At Axios, 80% of Jim’s meetings are now about AI application, every role gets tools and training, and his tech team reports doubling its productivity. He’ll break down how a media company actually operationalizes this. (Hint: it’s not “buy some licenses and hope.”)
02
AI is changing how local news gets created and distributed
Jim’s argument: local news got too expensive because of everything around the journalism — buildings, printing, distribution. His model is smart reporters on the ground, with nearly everything underneath automated. It’s the thinking behind Axios Local’s plan to grow from ~30 cities to hundreds, and hire hundreds of reporters to do it.
03
And yes, this can all be simplified
The Axios co-founders’ brand new book, Simplify: Do 50 Percent More with 50 Percent Less, is about cutting the complexity that buries operators like you. Every Camp attendee gets a copy.
And Jim isn't coming alone. We're also thrilled to welcome Holly Moore, executive editor of Axios Local, and Liz Alesse, VP & general manager of Axios Local — the two people running the newsroom and business sides of the operation Jim describes.
Agree with Jim’s take? Great. Think “AI will save local news” deserves a few follow-up questions? Also great. Agree or disagree, this is the conversation every local news leader needs to be in the room for. Camp is where you get to ask the follow-up question.
See you around the campfire,
Coach David & The Blue Engine Team
P.S. If you’re a Newspack or BlueLena client, email us to get an even better discount!
JOIN US AT LOCAL NEWS CAMP
Local News Camp runs October 14–16 in Durham, NC, and there’s so much more we’re going to work on together.
Use code LENFEST for $100 off your ticket.
