About LMedia

LMedia is managed by Laura Cochran, a digital content, business and design consultant to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. The new wave of entrepreneurial journalists, navigating new tools, technologies and audiences, was Laura’s inspiration to begin LMedia. #

LMedia is a private company and is not affiliated in any way with any other organization. #

A Little About Laura #

Laura Cochran is a content maven, capitalizing on emerging technologies and audiences, as well as, the new wave of entrepreneurial journalism. In her current role at Gannett, she uses audience-centric methods, such as human-centered design, to conceive and develop new business opportunities in print, digital, mobile, social and broadcast. These opportunities can take the form of a new product or it can be an innovative way to use existing content created by Gannett’s vast network of local and national media properties. #

In 2009, Laura managed a team focused on how still-developing technologies and trends will impact the way consumers receive and use information on how businesses are making a difference in our communities. Specifically, this team of representatives from USA TODAY, USA WEEKEND, Gannett newspapers and broadcast stations, focused on how Gannett, as a media entity with wide, multi-channel distribution, can shine the light on good deeds, raising awareness and encouraging giving efforts in our communities any time, from anywhere. #

This research led to two jobs to be done: #

1) How might we create awareness to consumers on what cause marketing efforts corporations identify with? #

2) How can we help consumers find, measure, and grow their Philanthropic Footprint? #

At the 2011 SXSWi, Laura spoke spoke about her research and how it relates to the social engagement ladder. In 2010, she shared insights from this research at the Calorie Control Council annual meeting and the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. #

Prior to joining Gannett, she spent three years at washingtonpost.com, where she led the cross-departmental coverage of Maryland, Virginia and D.C. elections. During her tenure, she also managed the live and enterprise coverage of the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial, the D.C.-area’s presidential primary and the 2006 midterms, including the infamous George Allen ‘macaca’ moment. #

She is a native of the D.C. area and received her undergraduate degree in journalism from James Madison University. After graduation, she spent a couple of years in Memphis getting her master’s degree in journalism administration, which is where she got her first start in online journalism at The Commercial Appeal. When she’s not at work, she’s doing anything that involves being outside. #