Business news has gained greater prominence since the onset of COVID-19 and its impact on the economy and employment. The effects of the pandemic necessarily resulted in a range of stories focusing on our worksites – the places we earn a paycheck as employees and purchase products and services as consumers.

Business news certainly deserves extra attention during these extraordinary times. At the same time, this is a great opportunity to explore everyday business coverage during ordinary times, too.

Newspapers often are on the defense when it comes to business news: If they grant a story for one business story, are they opening the floodgates? How can they say “yes” to one request and “no” to another? My session provides some practical guidelines and ideas for news and advertising departments alike – to help the two departments be aligned on what is news and what is an ad, and to help them develop a plan for broader business coverage, which I believe can lead to increased ad revenue.

Jim Pumarlo understands that energized newspapers are at the foundation of energized communities. As a newsroom trainer, he underscores the need for solid news content whether delivered in print or digital formats. He worked 27 years at daily newspapers in International Falls and Red Wing, Minn., the last 21 as editor at the Red Wing Republican Eagle. He then served 16 years as director of communications and media relations at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy organization. He is author of three books: “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Newspaper”; “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Campaign Coverage”; “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage for Beginning Journalists.”