Consider two recent incidents, one widely reported, the other concerning a typical B2B inside baseball type story.
- Washington always produces big news. In recent days, the news itself has become a story. Specifically, the Washington Post, as widely reported, laid off hundreds of members of its newsroom staff. It’ll even lay off the sports staff. The publication has been losing tens of millions of dollars a year. Other media reported the retrenchment as akin to the collapse of the Western world.
- The General Services Administration is looking into how to squeeze more price concessions from technology companies who sell to the government using the GSA’s contracting vehicles. Most (but not all) of the so-called GovCom media regurgitated the GSA press release. A well-known former government contracting executive called out the government-focused business press in a pointed LinkedIn post.
These incidents show two things: News from trustworthy sources has never been more important and valued. And people who know an industry want the specialized press to bring insight and analysis to events in the field. The B2B field remains needed as much as ever. Yet media in all fields face stressful times because reading, digital habits and advertising methodologies keep shifting.
We at the Foundation are laying plans to expand the number of scholarships we can provide to journalism undergraduates each year, and the number of institutions at which they study.
Two other things won’t change: The need for fresh journalism talent and the perception by up-and-comers that B2B offers an attractive career path.
This is where the ASBPE Educational Foundation comes in. I became the Foundation’s president in November 2025, taking the reins from Rob Freedman. Rob and former president Amy Fishbach remain invaluable members of the board, as does the redoubtable Abe Peck. My former colleague Wyatt Kash — an able and experienced B2B editor with solid digital chops — has joined as Foundation secretary. ASPBE President Davide Savenije also actively contributes to Foundation thinking.
About Me: I retired last year following a 48-year career in journalism, including 45 years dedicated to B2B media. My professional experience includes long-standing positions at Cahners Publishing Company, the Washington Post Company (under the Graham family), and Hubbard Broadcasting’s D.C. division. Over the past 17 years, I hosted a daily radio program in Washington, D.C., focusing on federal government operations. I also served as chair of the former ABM Editorial Committee for two years and chaired its annual Jesse H. Neal Awards program.
We at the Foundation are laying plans to expand the number of scholarships we can provide to journalism undergraduates each year, and the number of institutions at which they study. We’re also looking to expand the base of contributors to include B2B media companies and other organizations such that the Foundation can start to build a capital fund and become more self-sustaining. Consider making a tax-deductible contribution here. Watch for more details.
In the meantime, we welcome your ideas for any of the initiatives listed above. And please follow the ASBPE Educational Foundation’s LinkedIn page.
Wishing you a successful and scoop-filled 2026.