Former publisher will head Relevance Project, newspaper groups' effort to champion importance of community papers

Tom Silvestri

Tom Silvestri, a veteran newspaper-industry executive, will direct a renewed effort to "champion the importance of community newspapers across North America and to celebrate the vital contributions of press associations they represent," the Newspaper Association Managers of the U.S. and Canada said in a news release.

Silvestri will be executive director of the Relevance Project, "the joint effort of newspaper trade groups to strengthen the industry’s unique role as the provider of quality journalism and the keeper of public forums for thousands of communities across the continent," the NAMs said.

Silvestri recently retired as president and publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and publisher and vice president of the Richmond Group of BH Media, now owned by Lee Enterprises. He has continued to consult the company and will remain in the Virginia capital.

"NAM has been shaping The Relevance Project since 2018 to counter newspaper struggles and to help members redefine their businesses in a digital world," the release said. "Rather than pull back during the covid-19 pandemic, NAM is pushing ahead at a time of intense urgency and sweeping uncertainty as some newspapers fight for their existence."

Relevance Project Chair Michelle Rea, executive director of the New York Press Association, said in the release, “We all know the challenges that newspapers face. But we also know community newspapers still play a vital role as the relevant forum for concerned citizens. The pandemic heightens that need. The Relevance Project aims to re-establish and strengthen our connections to the communities we serve, and to expand our relevance to new audiences. There are plenty of success stories to share as well.”

Silvestri said, “Some people say we need to save newspapers. Others worry about democracy without an army of journalists to report the news. Still others call for reinvention. I agree on all accounts and add we can never give up looking for solutions to keep local journalism and community news organizations strong.”