AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR
Comprehensive Implementation Framework
Seeing the Opportunity
As I, Michael E. Dehn, reposition myself within the banking sector — at a time when many peers are retiring — I have taken the opportunity to honestly assess my motivations, goals, and strategic direction.
Since founding Metro Pulse® in 1980, I have witnessed unprecedented changes in the media landscape. The rise of the Internet, Google, Meta, and other tech giants has disrupted traditional media revenue streams, leading to the emergence of alternative news sources such as podcasts and social media influencers. This, combined with increasing political bias in mainstream outlets, has resulted in a fragmented and polarized media environment.
With a family legacy rooted in journalism— my father spent 28 years at the Chicago Tribune — I am deeply committed to the principles of credible news. The decline of mainstream media, exacerbated by venture capital firms dismantling legacy newsrooms and the siphoning of advertising revenue by Big Tech, has left hyperlocal media in a precarious position.
Despite these challenges, I see significant opportunity.
A Shift in Mindset
My entrepreneurial background — including the unique experience of managing the sale of 80,000 tickets for the canceled 1980 Led Zeppelin concert at Chicago Stadium — has equipped me with the skills to innovate in this space. This experience, coupled with insights from the financial sector, has inspired me to develop new business models that support local media while facilitating branded, community-focused banking services.
My journey into bank marketing began nearly a decade ago, sparked by a conversation with a local bank manager frustrated by outdated marketing tools. This encounter led to the conception of a platform that integrates my media expertise with banking and fostering community engagement propelling growth and goodwill.
Watch Michael E. Dehn discuss the Metro Pulse® Ecosystem in this in depth video podcast.
The Framework
A comprehensive implementation of the Metro Pulse Media Ecosystem
Click button above to download a pdf of the Metropulse Media Ecosystem Framework.
Transitioning into banking required a significant shift in mindset, given the industry’s regulatory environment. Years of research and adaptation have prepared me for this challenge. I am grateful to industry leaders like Jim Marous (The Financial Brand) and Ron Shevlin (Snark Tank) for their invaluable insights, which have greatly informed my approach.
THE NEW ERA
Though my background is in media, event ticketing, and rock ‘n roll memorabilia, I am uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between media and banking. I believe the future of local media lies in innovative partnerships with financial institutions, supported by sustainable business models. Metropulse.com, my flagship platform, continues to serve as a quality, ad-free news aggregator with a dedicated following.
Welcome to the new era.
– Michael E. Dehn
Read more about Michael E. Dehn by in his extensive bio.
THE METRO PULSE®
Media Ecosystem
Our “media ecosystem” is an interconnected network of various companies that collectively produce, distribute, and monetize content across different platforms. This dynamic system includes traditional media outlets, digital publishers, streaming services, social media platforms and more.
Learn more about Dehn, his Led Zeppelin Project and the origins of Metro Pulse®