What does it take to lead journalists through uncertainty, resistance, and constant change?

In this episode of Insight Shapes News by Kilkaya, host Nils Ove Håland Riise speaks with Jeremy Clifford, former Editor-in-Chief of one of the UK’s largest media organisations and now a leadership coach working with newsrooms.

Jeremy argues that the demands placed on newsroom leaders have shifted significantly. Editors are expected to manage AI adoption, interpret data, drive subscription growth, and guide teams through restructuring and uncertainty. Many were promoted for their journalistic ability rather than for leading people.

The conversation examines where leadership most often weakens: unclear communication, misalignment between strategy and daily priorities, reluctance to address performance issues, and insufficient preparation for handling resistance to change.

Jeremy outlines practical approaches from his coaching work, including how to structure performance conversations, how to establish authority without needing expertise in every technical area, and how to maintain trust during restructures.

The discussion also addresses how data and AI influence editorial decision-making, and why leaders must operate with incomplete information while remaining clear in direction.

🎧 Topics we cover:

• Why newsroom leadership struggles during transformation

• The difference between editorial skill and leadership capability

• A structured method for handling difficult conversations

• How tone and communication shapes newsroom culture

• Leading journalists who resist strategic change

• Managing trust and morale during restructuring

• The balance between authority and influence

• How data and AI affect decision-making

• The importance of clarity under pressure

• Whether leadership can be developed

If you work in newsroom leadership, editorial strategy, or product, this episode offers a focused discussion on how leadership shapes organisational outcomes.

🎧 Subscribe to Insight Shapes News for conversations on leadership, personalization, subscriptions, and structural change in journalism.

Chapters:

00:00 The Need for Quality Leadership in Newsrooms

02:49 Navigating Change and Digital Transformation

05:16 Building Effective Leadership Skills

08:00 The Importance of Leadership Tone

11:07 Earning Influence in a Newsroom

14:01 Selecting the Right Team Members

16:50 Handling Difficult Conversations

19:33 The Role of Empathy in Leadership

22:06 Communicating Change Effectively

25:05 The Impact of AI and Data on Leadership

27:45 Values and Trust in Leadership

30:24 The Challenges of Leadership Under Pressure

33:10 The Evolution of Leadership in Newsrooms

35:59 The Future of Leadership with AI

38:47 Navigating Data in Leadership

41:48 The Importance of Clarity and Authenticity

44:31 Connecting with Staff in High-Pressure Situations

47:06 Is Leadership for Everyone?

49:52 Self-Reflection and Growth in Leadership

52:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership Challenges