The Star Tribune, the Upper Midwest’s largest news organization, is embarking on a transformative journey to drive growth and innovation in the media landscape. Under the leadership of CEO and Publisher Steve Grove, the company has announced a series of organizational changes aimed at enhancing its digital strategy, expanding consumer growth, and deepening community engagement. These changes are designed to position the Star Tribune as a leading model for local news in America, ensuring it continues to deliver high-quality journalism to its audience.
Strengthening the Product Team
To effectively deliver award-winning journalism to a growing digital audience, the Star Tribune is expanding its product team. This move is part of a broader strategy to invest more deeply in digital innovation and vision. The company is currently searching for a new Chief Product Officer to lead these efforts. This role will be crucial in driving the digital transformation of the Star Tribune, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of media innovation.
The expansion of the product team is expected to bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table. By focusing on digital growth, the Star Tribune aims to reach a wider audience and provide more value to its readers. This initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to staying relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape.
In addition to expanding the product team, the Star Tribune is also investing in new technologies and tools. These investments will enable the company to deliver content more efficiently and effectively, enhancing the overall reader experience.
Accelerating Consumer Growth
The Star Tribune is doubling down on its efforts to grow digital subscriptions while maintaining a strong core of print customers. To lead these efforts, the company has created the position of SVP of Consumer Growth. This role will focus on expanding the subscriber base across Minnesota and beyond, ensuring that the Star Tribune continues to provide great value to its readers.
The creation of this new position reflects the company’s commitment to consumer growth. By focusing on both digital and print subscriptions, the Star Tribune aims to cater to a diverse audience. This dual approach will help the company maintain its strong print presence while also tapping into the growing digital market.
In addition to expanding its subscriber base, the Star Tribune is also enhancing its customer engagement efforts. The company is committed to listening to and reflecting the communities it serves. This focus on community engagement will help the Star Tribune build stronger relationships with its readers and better understand their needs and preferences.
Investing in Community Engagement
A new position, Head of Culture and Community, has been created to ensure the Star Tribune listens to and reflects the communities it serves. Kyndell Harkness, a 22-year veteran of the newsroom, will fill this role, leading DEI and culture efforts across the company. This position will also focus on expanding community outreach across the state.
The creation of this role underscores the Star Tribune’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By focusing on DEI initiatives, the company aims to create a more inclusive and representative newsroom. This will not only enhance the quality of journalism but also ensure that the Star Tribune reflects the diverse voices of its community.
In addition to DEI efforts, the Head of Culture and Community will also lead community outreach initiatives. These initiatives will help the Star Tribune build stronger connections with its readers and better understand their needs. By engaging with the community, the company aims to create content that is more relevant and impactful.
