#15 The Leadership Model in Newsrooms Is Broken. What Needs to Change? Jeremy Clifford at Chrysalis Leadership

What does it take to lead journalists through uncertainty, resistance, and constant change?In this episode of Insight Shapes News by Kilkaya, host Nils Ove Håland Riise speaks with Jeremy Clifford, former Editor-in-Chief of one of the UK’s largest media organisations and now a leadership coach working with newsrooms.Jeremy argues that the demands placed on newsroom leaders have shifted significantly. Editors are expected to manage AI adoption, interpret data, drive subscription growth, and guide teams through restructuring and uncertainty. Many were promoted for their journalistic ability rather than for leading people.The conversation examines where leadership most often weakens: unclear communication, misalignment between strategy and daily priorities, reluctance to address performance issues, and insufficient preparation for handling resistance to change.Jeremy outlines practical approaches from his coaching work, including how to structure performance conversations, how to establish authority without needing expertise in every technical area, and how to maintain trust during restructures.The discussion also addresses how data and AI influence editorial decision-making, and why leaders must operate with incomplete information while remaining clear in direction.🎧 Topics we cover:Why newsroom leadership struggles during transformationThe difference between editorial skill and leadership capabilityA structured method for handling difficult conversationsHow tone and communication shapes newsroom cultureLeading journalists who resist strategic changeManaging trust and morale during restructuringThe balance between authority and influenceHow data and AI affect decision-makingThe importance of clarity under pressureWhether leadership can be developedIf you work in newsroom leadership, editorial strategy, or product, this episode offers a focused discussion on how leadership shapes organisational outcomes.🎧 Subscribe to Insight Shapes News for conversations on leadership, personalization, subscriptions, and structural change in journalism.Take your Leadership Readiness Assessment test from Jeremy:https://assessment.chrysalis-leadership.com/Chapters:00:00 The Need for Quality Leadership in Newsrooms02:49 Navigating Change and Digital Transformation05:16 Building Effective Leadership Skills08:00 The Importance of Leadership Tone11:07 Earning Influence in a Newsroom14:01 Selecting the Right Team Members16:50 Handling Difficult Conversations19:33 The Role of Empathy in Leadership22:06 Communicating Change Effectively25:05 The Impact of AI and Data on Leadership27:45 Values and Trust in Leadership30:24 The Challenges of Leadership Under Pressure33:10 The Evolution of Leadership in Newsrooms35:59 The Future of Leadership with AI38:47 Navigating Data in Leadership41:48 The Importance of Clarity and Authenticity44:31 Connecting with Staff in High-Pressure Situations47:06 Is Leadership for Everyone?49:52 Self-Reflection and Growth in Leadership52:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership Challenges