Tapinto

Leo Migdal

-Dec 10, 2025, 1:12 AM

TAPinto is a network of more than 95 independently owned and operated local news and digital marketing platforms in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Based in New Providence, New Jersey.[1] TAPinto.net is one of the largest online local news gathering operations in New Jersey. New Providence residents Michael and Lauryn Shapiro founded the business in October 2008. TAPinto operates on a franchise model. Each TAPinto local news and digital marketing platform is independently owned and operated by a franchisee, who pays a small upfront fee, a monthly fee, and a nominal percentage of advertising revenue. In exchange, the network provides thorough training, a content management system, tech development and support, graphic design, billing and credit card processing, contract software, a CRM, ongoing continuing education programs, full-time customer service support,...

TAPinto provides significant training and support to help local news entrepreneurs own and operate a local news and digital marketing platform in their community.[2] TAPinto is a member of the Local Media Association, the Local Media Consortium, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Downtown New Jersey, the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists and the Center for Cooperative... Many TAPinto owner/publishers are members of their local chamber of commerce as well as civic and community organizations. Many TAPinto sites have a partnership with high school newspapers in their communities, including TAPinto Berkeley Heights and Governor Livingston High School's newspaper, The Highlander.[3] In 2023, the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists honored TAPinto with three Excellence in Journalism Awards.[4] In 2022, the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists honored TAPinto with eight Excellence in Journalism Awards.[5]... In an era where local journalism is undergoing unprecedented transformation, TAPinto stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

Founded with a mission to enhance community engagement through accessible news and empower local advertisers to effectively reach customers, TAPinto has grown into a robust network of local news sites spanning multiple states. Now, TAPinto has formed the Hyperlocal News Network, a license solution that provides back office resources and support to publishers including help in technology, sales, content strategy, and back office management. With its unique franchise and license models, TAPinto and the Hyperlocal News Network not only support local journalism financially but also foster a collaborative environment for publishers and advertisers alike. Mike Shapiro, founder and CEO of TAPinto and the Hyperlocal News Network, shares insights into the company’s current dynamics, advertising model, content-sharing strategies, and the promising future of this pioneering news network. Today, TAPinto is a vibrant network with 98 franchised sites predominantly in New Jersey but also expanding into states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. We have recently introduced a licensing model, the Hyperlocal News Network, that provides the robust backend, back office support, and training that TAPinto is known for, while allowing publishers to maintain their branding.

This model supports the goal of enhancing local journalism with a sustainable financial model through innovative technology and collaborative networks.

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This model supports the goal of enhancing local journalism with a sustainable financial model through innovative technology and collaborative networks.