It’s the time of year when we reflect on the things that matter most to us, and on my list – alongside family, friends and a team of hardworking and dedicated colleagues – is the opportunity I’m given every day to help promote and protect the news media industry.
Through my work with the Alliance, I am able to speak with publishers, advertisers, politicians, broadcasters and journalists who care deeply about our industry. Each and every one of them helps me better understand the value of the news media and the issues we need to tackle in order to find our way forward through these (sometimes trying) times.
I am grateful every single day that I am able to represent this mission-driven business that supports and sustains our democracy. Whether supporting CNN in their fight for access to the White House; helping publishers and advertisers understand the value of the news media audience through exclusive research projects; sharing the importance of our members’ work in covering some of the most complex and imperative news; or reminding the public of the necessity of our First Amendment protections, I am honored that the Alliance is able to make a difference for this industry.
While it is sometimes difficult to do this work and the fight for a free and thriving press grows more complicated every day, I look forward to every day that I get to spend working with the fine people who make up this industry. Each time I help a local news publisher or up-and-coming young news industry professional see that their work matters and their challenges are understood, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be able to help the businesses that are essential for upholding free speech and democracy.
Today, as every day, I am thankful for the Alliance staff, supporters and members, without whom we could not do this important work.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you to my wife and children, whose love and support make even the hardest days ones to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving from the News Media Alliance!
David Chavern is former President & CEO of the News/Media Alliance. Chavern has 30 years of experience in executive strategic and operational roles. Prior to the Alliance, he completed a decade-long tenure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
