By Betina Lounsbury
In a world overwhelmed by political headlines and a constant stream of information coming in, Michael Silvers is taking a different approach. As Vice President of the Los Angeles Tribune and managing partner of the Tribune’s podcast division, Silvers is leading a transformation at one of the city’s oldest news outlets. His mission? To cut through the media noise by focusing on service and connection.
“The biggest thing now with media is how do we bring enhancement and enrichment to people’s lives?” Silvers asks. “We’re really looking at nothing political, nothing polarizing.” It’s not just ideology for Silvers; he is actively steering the Tribune toward content that helps people improve their lives, whether that means offering leadership lessons, personal development insights, or spotlighting incredible individuals like Jane Goodall in the Tribune’s partnership with Roots and Shoots.
Silver’s unorthodox path to his current position in media leadership has significantly shaped his fresh approach to news. He comes from the personal development world, where he spent many years building outreach service programs alongside his wife, as well as development coaching for prospective entrepreneurs, meant to empower individuals and realize their potential. “Everything we did was about media and communication. How do we move hearts and minds?” he says. “That’s all we ever did.”
This mindset of service has now become the driving force behind the Los Angeles Tribune’s resurgence, established in 1886, the Tribune is one of the oldest news organizations in Los Angeles. It began as a platform committed to providing factual and unbiased news to the city’s growing population. Over the years, the Tribune has evolved with the times, embracing new media technologies and expanding its reach beyond Los Angeles.
Silvers is clear about his vision for the Los Angeles Tribune’s role in today’s media industry. “Just report the news and don’t make one side good or bad,” Silvers says. The focus is to deliver facts without bias, allowing readers to interpret events without a slant. Silvers credits his position to the Tribune’s CEO, Moe Rock, who has guided the publication in this direction. “No filler, just the facts,” this is a part of their goal to return to the straightforward reporting that many readers miss. He calls it “going back to the old Walter Cronkite days” – a time when news was sley focused on reporting the truth.
But the Tribune is not just about Los Angeles anymore. Under Silvers, the paper extended its reach globally. It’s digital presence particularly through its virtual shows, is also making waves internationally. In May 2024, the Tribune’s leadership show attracted an audience of 1.7 million viewers across 23 countries. “We know our shows go out to villages. Teens in these villages are watching, and we want them to come from a place of ‘We’re all on this planet together. How can we make a difference?” Silvers says. It’s a vision that goes beyond the daily news cycle- it’s about leaving a long-lasting impact on this planet.
For Silvers, this focus on service is an important aspect of his work. He credits his personal experiences and family for shaping his approach to leadership. Silvers doesn’t hesitate to mention his grandchildren, whose futures he holds close to his heart.
“I look at them every day, and I think, what planet am I going to leave them? What’s my role in that?” he says. These are not just reflective thoughts for Silvers. It’s the forward thinking, legacy driven mentality that led him to be recognized with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his philanthropic service efforts. To engage their younger audience, the Tribune is embracing the ways of today’s generation. This includes shifting their reporting focus to live events and high-profile activities, such as red carpets and major sports events. Additionally, the Tribune has launched a podcast division under Silvers. The goal is to cultivate a younger readership that values positivity and engagement with the community.
Despite the weight of his responsibilities, including leading the Tribune into global expansion, Silvers’s dedication to give back is unwavering. “It’s as simple as, how do I give back today? Whether that’s through the Tribune, volunteering, or spending time with my family. I believe in making a difference every day,” he says. For him, service is not only his career but a lifelong mission.
This commitment also translates into the direction he has taken with the Los Angeles Tribune. Silvers’ leadership is paving the way for a new kind of journalism- one that puts the people first. By focusing on positive, non-political content, Silvers aims to reach communities around the world, offering more than just news but a source of inspiration entrepreneurial endeavors. By centering facts over sensationalism, he’s helped the Los Angeles Tribune redefine what it means to be a news outlet in today’s world, and listening to the people’s need for a change.
