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Journalism Careers Are Changing: Bridget Thoreson on Navigating What's Next
23 June 2026

Journalism Careers Are Changing: Bridget Thoreson on Navigating What's Next

Keep It Local | Local Media Association

About

The journalism profession is undergoing significant change, leaving many media professionals wondering what comes next.

In this episode of Keep It Local, host Ryan Welton talks with Bridget Thoreson, founder of MyCareerRiver, about the realities of navigating journalism careers in an era of layoffs, disruption, entrepreneurship, and rapid technological change.

Drawing from interviews with more than 160 professionals, Bridget shares practical insights on career reinvention, adapting to uncertainty, and recognizing the value of journalism skills beyond traditional newsroom roles.

Among the topics discussed:

    Why the traditional journalism career ladder no longer works for many professionalsThe three principles that emerged from Bridget's career researchHow journalists can reframe uncertainty as an opportunity for discoveryThe surprising job-search breakthrough that helped one journalist land a job after more than a year of unemploymentWhy skills matter more than titlesHow newsletters, podcasts, consulting, and entrepreneurship are creating new opportunities for journalistsWhat media professionals can do today to prepare for the future

Learn more about Bridget's work at MyCareerRiver.com.

Would you like to sponsor a future episode of Keep It Local? Our membership comprises more than 3,000 local media companies of all sizes and media. We have a variety of ways to get you in front of key decision-makers within the industry.