Many of North Dakota’s longtime newspaper publishers are turning a page as they prepare for what comes next. In this episode of The Backstory, NDNA Executive Director Cecile Wehrman joins us to talk about ownership transitions, workforce challenges and what it will take to sustain strong local newspapers across the state.

Wehrman shares what she’s hearing from publishers across the state, including concerns about succession and the search for the next generation of leadership. She also reflects on the continued impact community newspapers have in rural towns, where they often serve as both watchdog and gathering place for local life.

“The biggest thing overall that came out was the realization that we really are facing a generational shift in ownership.” - Cecile Wehrman, NDNA

As longtime publishers near retirement, the study recommends building stronger succession planning efforts to help position newspapers for sale and connect current owners with journalists interested in stepping into leadership roles. About 25 percent of journalists surveyed said they would consider becoming owners, offering a potential path forward.

The conversation also underscores why local newspapers matter. From saving a small-town movie theater to mobilizing support for community institutions, newspapers often serve as the connective tissue that keeps rural communities vibrant and informed.

A new statewide study offers a rare, data-driven look at the health of North Dakota’s local newspapers and what may be required to keep them alive.

In this episode of The Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert discusses his reporting on a two-year research project examining the state’s newspaper ecosystem. The study surveyed publishers, journalists, and news consumers, and took a close look at communities that no longer have a local paper. The findings highlight growing pressure on small, independent newspapers, while also revealing how readers perceive — and value — local news when it disappears.

“I think they see the value of those…of having a paper now that they’re gone.” – Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative

Michael explains how North Dakota’s effort has drawn national attention, what the data shows about consumer habits and expectations, and why the study points toward the need for newspapers to clearly communicate their value to the communities they serve. The conversation also explores how this research fits into broader efforts to stabilize and strengthen local journalism across the state.

Concern over immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota is rippling beyond state lines, raising questions about how communities in North Dakota are responding, and whether similar fears could take hold closer to home.

In this episode of The Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert talks with host Sabrina Halvorson about his reporting on how faith leaders in North Dakota and Minnesota are navigating growing anxiety among immigrants and mixed-status families. The conversation offers insight into both the substance of the story and the careful reporting process behind it.

“I think one thing that surprised me was just the level of concern about talking about these issues. I mean, I think a lot of these discussions are going on behind closed doors right now.” – Michael Standaert, NDNC reporter

Standaert explains that while much of the public attention has focused on visible enforcement actions in Minnesota, many of the responses he encountered were quieter and more cautious. Faith leaders described balancing the desire to address fear and uncertainty in their congregations with concerns about internal division and potential backlash.

The discussion also explores why the story focused on longer-term community impacts rather than day-to-day developments, and how NDNC reporters handle sourcing when people are afraid to go on the record. As Halvorson notes, the situation is changing rapidly, but the underlying questions about safety, trust, and responsibility remain.

The episode offers a closer look at how complex, fast-moving stories are reported with care, and how local concerns in neighboring states can shape conversations in North Dakota communities.