Podcasting for Local Media: A Practical Playbook for 2026

Podcasting can feel intimidating for local media organizations. Questions about equipment, studios, editing, distribution and monetization often stop projects before they begin.In this special episode of "Keep It Local," host Ryan Welton turns the microphone on himself to discuss his new LMII Innovation Insights report on podcasting and explain why he believes podcasts have become one of the most powerful content engines available to local media organizations today.Ryan shares practical lessons from his work in local journalism, digital audience strategy and podcast production, offering a step-by-step look at how newsrooms can launch sustainable podcast programs without massive budgets or complicated studio setups.The conversation covers everything from microphones and audio quality to Riverside workflows, video production, content repurposing and revenue opportunities through branded content.In this episode:Why podcasting should be viewed as a content pillarThe biggest mistakes newsrooms make before launching a podcastWhy audio quality matters more than video qualityRecommended microphones, headphones and recording setupsRiverside vs. other remote recording platformsSimple lighting techniques for better video podcastsEditing workflows using Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition and HandBrakeGetting podcasts onto Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTubeTurning one podcast into articles, newsletters and social media contentUsing podcasts to support branded content and sponsorship salesWhy long-form conversations are thriving in 2026Key Quote"It's not just video, it's not just audio, it's short clips. It's a written article."Resources MentionedLMII Innovation Insights Report: PodcastingRiversideAdobe Premiere ProAdobe AuditionHandBrakeCaptivateBeehiivOpus ClipCanvaConnectHave questions about podcasting, newsroom workflows or content strategy?Contact Ryan Welton at Local Media Association to continue the conversation.