PBºN Episode - 30
Summary
This podcast episode introduces Tim Burke, the new Chairman of the Board for the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, hosted by Noel Martinez. Tim shares his extensive background in media, including his tenure as publisher of the Palm Beach Post and his time at LRP Media Group. He discusses his lifelong passion for journalism, his career transition from editorial to the business side of media, and the significant challenges posed by digital transformation in the newspaper industry. Tim also highlights the vital role of local media in fostering civic engagement and accountability. He reflects on his move to LRP Media Group and his involvement in community organizations. The conversation concludes with Tim's advice to his younger self and his aspirations for his legacy, emphasizing the importance of family and supporting others' growth. For his new role, Tim aims for the Chamber to "think big and dream big," focusing on new relationships and strengthening support for small business members.
Key topics
Introduction of Tim Burke: New Chairman of the Board for Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
Tim Burke's Background:
Born and raised in Los Angeles, moved to San Francisco Bay Area as a teenager.
Met his wife Karen in Missouri while at journalism school (University of Missouri) and his first newspaper job in Springfield.
Two daughters: oldest is a teacher and mother in Palm Beach County; youngest is a singer-songwriter in New York City. Grandfather to two.
Media Career Journey:
Lifelong passion for newspapers, aspiring to be a sports writer/editor since age eight.
Transitioned from sports journalism to digital operations at the Palm Beach Post and Palm Beach Daily News.
Became publisher, shifting to the business side without formal business education, learning on the job.
Emphasizes the importance of hiring good people and empowering them as a leader.
Day-to-day as publisher: varied, including contract negotiation, legal issues, story review, and employee relations; a 24/7 on-call role.
Challenges and Future of Media:
Biggest Challenge: Digital transformation and disruption of the print media business model.
Future of Newspapers: Continuously evolving digital landscape (websites, newsletters, podcasts, social media platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok).
Relevance of Local Newspapers: Vital for civic engagement, an informed electorate, and holding officials accountable.
Credibility in the Digital Age: Difficulty for the public to discern credible sources from user-generated content; a growing focus on marketing efforts to highlight credibility.
Sustainability of Local News: Future models include a combination of for-profit and non-profit organizations, with increasing philanthropy supporting local news operations and startups.
LRP Media Group Experience:
Moved to LRP Media Group after Cox Enterprises sold the Palm Beach Post and Daily News.
Attracted by the opportunity to apply media experience and learn about event management (HR technology event, the world's largest).
Responsible for HR products and events division, transitioning print media products to digital.
Community Involvement:
Influenced by Cox Enterprises' emphasis on community engagement and giving back.
Believes in building business relationships and personal fulfillment through community involvement.
Most Satisfying Aspect of Career:
Seeing colleagues grow and succeed, contributing to their careers.
The unique journey from journalism to successfully running businesses.
Goals as Chamber Chairman:
"Think big and dream big" – aspiring to expand the Chamber's influence beyond its current size.
Forge new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships.
Significantly enhance support and services for small business members (83% of the Chamber's 750+ members).
Personal Reflections:
Advice to Younger Self: "You can do it," addressing self-doubt.
Desired Legacy: To be remembered as a good father and husband, emphasizing the importance of family given his own loss of his father at a young age.