Axios bring the franchise model to local

Axios' COO Allison Murphy joins the podcast to discuss the company's five-year journey with Axios Local and its future direction, particularly how AI can address the cost challenges in local news. A key element of Axios Local's success involves a lean reporting model, typically two to three reporters per major metro area, with a focus on expanding coverage to surrounding suburbs and exurbs. Murphy highlights the importance of scale, noting that Axios's centralized tech, editing, and sales infrastructure lowers the incremental cost of adding new cities. AI is being leveraged to enhance reporter productivity by surfacing story ideas, aggregating events, and streamlining data journalism. While original reporting remains central, Axios balances it with curated content to maximize utility for readers.