Leo Cusimano is the publisher of the Dallas Voice, which since 1984 has been the premier media source for LGBTQ Texas. He joined the Local Media Foundation board of directors in January 2024. In this Q&A, Leo tells us what keeps him up at night and also what gets him up in the morning with regard to the local media industry.

How has the local media industry transformed since you started working on it?

I have been working in media for more than 30 years. Over that time we have seen a significant transformation of local media driven by technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior and shifts in the media landscape.

From a digital revolution, a decline in print and a rise in online news, these changes have created a paradigm shift on how we access and think about getting news.

What initiatives or areas of focus do you think will have the most positive impact on your organization’s future?

As we witness our print revenues changing, we need to elevate our digital, build more reader revenue, add video, look at new technologies, and seek out new sources of revenue. The one initiative that will have the most positive impact on local media today is Press Forward.

What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the local media industry today?

For successful publishers, it is all about evolving, changing with the times, adapting to new technologies, staying ahead of the game. Understanding what is new, now and next. We need to be successful in providing relevant content, growing our audience and creating a sustainable future.

Why are you excited to join the LMA board of directors?

I am excited about joining the LMF board for several reasons: leadership opportunities, networking, professional development and, more than anything, having an impact. I am passionate about local media. Being on the board allows me to contribute to the growth and success of LMF.

For me personally, I fear identity theft, hackers taking down my website, or someone accessing my bank accounts. Several challenges I see in journalism are: fake news, sustainability, digital transformation and, more broadly, press freedom. In addition, the eroding trust in the media is a concern. What gets me up, what drives me to start my day with enthusiasm … the passion I have to make an impact in the LGBTQ community.

Tell us about your community and why local media is so vital

Currently the LGBTQ community is being attacked from all sides, including our own government at the local, state and national levels. Rights and protections it has taken us decades to win are now in danger, and things are changing every day. So it is more important than ever now that our community has a news source they can rely on to keep them updated. That’s why local LGBTQ media outlets like Dallas Voice are so vital.