GuestS: FRANK DIEKMANN

Want to stay ahead in the Credit Union industry? Curious about how Frank Diekmann has shaped Credit Union Media? Join Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations and Frank Diekmann, the visionary behind CU Daily, to unpack the evolution of Credit Union Media. From Trade Publications to navigating Press Releases, this episode uncovers the grit behind Credit Union Success. Expect a candid discussion on Conferences, Press Releases, and the power of the Opinion Section in driving the Credit Union industry forward.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • (00:00) Intro: Meet Frank Diekmann
  • (02:24) Frank’s career journey from sports reporting to launching trade publications
  • (03:27)Frank discusses the different credit union news media he has founded
  • (05:30) From laborious phone sourcing to now journalism and press releases in the credit union’s online media
  • (09:21) Journalists need thick skin and curiosity to be successful
  • (10:48) The evolution of the business model from print to digital, which is now ad-driven
  • (14:54) Effective press releases must provide reader value for credit union success
  • (18:07) Frank talks about his book, “501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business can be Learned at a Conference and Forgotten in the Trade Show.”
  • (23:25) Discussion of what makes a valuable trade conference
  • (27:45) Promotes CU Daily as the top news source with daily items, Opinion Section, and video for credit union success

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Journalism in credit union media has evolved from labor-intensive reporting during the era of Credit Union Week to the digital CU Daily, requiring Frank Diekmann to adapt to industry consolidation and modernize press releases for the success of credit unions.
  • Effective press releases must answer “why should readers care?” to engage audiences, as Mark Ritter and Frank Diekmann emphasize providing value over corporate puffery in conferences and trade publications.
  • Frank Diekmann highlights how credit union conferences have shifted from content for credit union success to vacation-like events.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter Website
Mark Ritter – LinkedIn
Frank Diekmann – LinkedIn
501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business Can Be Learned at a Conference & Forgotten in the Trade Show eBook – Amazon
CU Daily – Website

Mark Ritter is the CEO of MBFS and an expert in credit unions and business lending. His primary role at MBFS is overseeing the strategy of helping credit unions assist members with business needs and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of services to their membership.

Frank Diekmann is a longtime credit union journalist and has founded various publications throughout the years. In 2025, he formed The CU Daily, which amassed a strong following in its first year.