People of Media: John Palumbo | Rhode Island Monthly | The Soul of Local Media
From Corporate Constraints to Local Ownership
John Palumbo didn’t set out to be a media owner. He had been running Rhode Island Monthly under a corporate parent, navigating profit mandates that increasingly strangled innovation. In 2008, during the financial crisis, he was told to gut a third of his staff and do 30% more work. Instead, he ultimately proposed buying the company. Despite lacking deep financial resources, he borrowed money and signed personal guarantees to acquire the magazine. “I saw passion. I saw pride. I saw trust in the community,” Palumbo said. “That’s what I invested in.”
Leading With Community Connection
Palumbo’s strategy from day one has been rooted in visibility and trust. From writing personal thank-you notes to advertisers, to supporting local nonprofits, to showing up where his audience lives and works, he’s built a brand that is deeply woven into the fabric of Rhode Island. “People here feel connected to us. They know us,” he shared. That connection is the foundation for everything else.
Adapting to a Fragmented Media Landscape
Palumbo recognizes that Rhode Island Monthly now serves distinct print and digital audiences, and he’s structured the business accordingly. Growth areas include newsletters, events, social media, and partnerships with other local outlets. “You have to engage each audience where they are, not where you wish they were,” he explained.
Realism and Resilience in the Face of Change
Palumbo doesn’t romanticize the business. He sunsets what isn’t working. He pivots when needed. And he makes decisions fast. He noted that being small and nimble is their strategic advantage. That mindset allows his team to test, iterate, and adapt without getting buried in bureaucracy.
What Local Publishers Can Learn
Treat community trust as your most valuable asset.
Prioritize visibility—both online and in person.
Diversify revenue through events and digital channels.
Lead from the front and model servant leadership.
Collaborate, even with competitors, when it benefits the community.
Palumbo’s story is a testimony to his faith in local media — a faith so strong, he has endured substantial risk and hardship to invest in his community and keep the dream alive. His playbook is to lead with trust, move with courage, and never forget who you're serving.