Craig Newmark Commits $2.5 Million To New York Public Radio
Gift from founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies will fuel an expansion of critically needed local coverage in Metro New York through Gothamist and WNYC
(New York, NY) – New York Public Radio (NYPR) received a $2.5 million gift today from Craig Newmark to fuel the integration and expansion of WNYC and Gothamist, and create a central hub for the metro New York journalism ecosystem. The result will be a combined newsroom that fuses WNYC's singular blend of award-winning journalism and compelling storytelling with Gothamist, the beloved digital-native site that NYPR acquired in February 2018.
This gift will help NYPR transform WNYC News into a multi-platform journalism source for digital and audio journalism that brings audiences critically needed coverage of local issues, convenes civil conversation, and motivates action among a diverse community of New Yorkers. Building on the two brands' combined monthly reach of approximately 4.6 million in the New York metro area, and retaining the distinctive voice of each, NYPR will meet people everywhere that they get their news—from radio to digital to social media.
"There is an increasing need for grassroots journalism in New York City," said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. "New York Public Radio will help shine a light on meaningful civic issues that impact the day-to-day lives of New Yorkers."
With support from this gift (which follows other investments in local news by Craig Newmark Philanthropies), NYPR will dramatically expand the shared data news capabilities of WNYC and Gothamist, build out their digital production capacities, and add journalists to expand coverage of critical beats, such as politics, immigration, transportation, education, health and other core topics in civic life. The funding will also bolster WNYC's partnerships with journalism organizations and educational institutions throughout the region.
"Local journalism is as vital to civic life as the voting booth, the public park, or the community board. And democracy, itself, starts at the local level," said Laura Walker, President and CEO, New York Public Radio. "At a time when many other journalism outlets are shrinking or closing, we have a mandate to act and are well positioned to do so."
Walker continued, "With Gothamist now a part of the New York Public Radio family, we've arrived at an expansive news operation that is much greater than the sum of its parts, and which strengthens the civic muscle of this city. We are deeply grateful to Craig for his visionary leadership in supporting local journalism, and for helping us tell the stories of New York in new and resonant voices."
About New York Public Radio
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio produces innovative public radio programs, podcasts, and live events that touch a passionate community of almost 26 million people monthly on air, online and in person. From its state-of-the-art studios in New York City, NYPR is reshaping radio for a new generation of listeners with groundbreaking, award-winning programs including Radiolab, On the Media, The Takeaway, Nancy, and Carnegie Hall Live, among many others. New York Public Radio includes WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio. Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
About Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. The organization works to advance people and grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans and military families. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org.
Press Contacts
Jennifer Houlihan Roussel, New York Public Radio
JHoulihan@nypublicradio.org, (212) 829-4497
Carner Round, Craig Newmark Philanthropies
craignewmarkfoundation@webershandwick.com, (347) 260-1957