Future of News Panel Discussion: The Power of Sports in Local News

Written by Reuters News Agency | Jan 20, 2026 9:24:52 AM

Watch the full panel discussion

Filmed on December 3rd in New York as part of the Reuters Future of News program at Reuters NEXT, this panel brings together leaders from USA TODAY Network, Imagn Images and Reuters to explore how sports journalism strengthens local communities and drives audience engagement.

Featuring, from left to right:

Alphonse Hardel, Head of Agency, Reuters News Agency
Bruce Odle, President, Imagn Images
Mike Kilian, New York State Editor, USA TODAY Network
Moderated by: Anna Cotton, Senior Marketing Director, Reuters News Agency

Key discussion points:

How sports anchor local identity and fuel reader loyalty across the USA TODAY Network
How major moments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup can be localized to connect with community audiences
What the Reuters-USA TODAY Network content partnership unlocks for richer, faster and more scalable sports coverage
How the combined Reuters–Imagn Images offering expands U.S. and global sports visuals for publishers

Discover how Reuters is preparing comprehensive coverage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or explore how the Reuters–USA TODAY Network content partnership is supporting U.S. publishers with deeper, faster and more impactful sports storytelling.

Learn more about Reuters FIFA World Cup coverage
Learn how Reuters and USA TODAY Network support U.S. publishers

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