About
This paper was collaboratively created by NPR and leaders across public media in the summer of 2023. More than one hundred people contributed to the paper’s contents and recommendations, including executives, journalists and fundraising staff from local public media organizations and NPR, as well as leadership from industry organizations. These collaborators read drafts, shared ideas, contributed photographs and made suggestions.
Invitation to partner
We consider this paper to be a starting point in a larger conversation about the role public media can play in rebuilding local news in America. We welcome feedback, ideas and invitations to partner.
With gratitude
In addition to the many people who contributed to the development of this paper, thought leaders from across public media were interviewed in July and August 2023. Their insights and guidance were invaluable in the creation of this paper’s vision and recommendations. They include:
Edith Chapin
ACTING CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER
NPR
Bill Davis
PRINCIPAL
Station Resource Group
Scott Finn
PRESIDENT & CEO
Vermont Public
Stephen George
PRESIDENT & CEO
Louisville Public Media
Leora Hanser
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER & PRESIDENT
NPR Foundation
Kerri Hoffman
CEO
PRX
Rachel Hubbard
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
KOSU
Michael Isip
PRESIDENT & CEO
KQED
Nico Leone
PRESIDENT & CEO
KERA
Caryn Mathes
PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
KUOW
Tom Michael
GENERAL MANAGER
Boise State Public Radio
Sarah Morris
GENERAL MANAGER
KCUR
DeLinda Mrowka
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
KQED
LaFontaine Oliver
PRESIDENT & CEO
New York Public Radio
Jim Rondeau
GENERAL MANAGER
KLCC
Kerry Swanson
BOARD CHAIR
University Station Alliance,
and Chief Operating Officer, KUOW
Adrian Velarde
GENERAL MANAGER
KRWG
Top photo
>> CapRadio: Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan speaks to Jon Lim, President of the Marysville Chinese Community at the Bok Kai Temple (Credit: Andrew Nixon)
“Our investments in local journalism have paid direct dividends in Louisville — not only is Louisville Public Media producing 50 percent more public service stories every day, our news ecosystem has gotten more competitive. Better service for our neighbors strengthens our relationships and our democracy.”
— Stephen George, President and CEO, Louisville Public Media, Kentucky
Access the full position paper
Published September 2023
Edited by: Melanie McCarty and Lorraine Ross, NPR
Contributing editors: Sacha Adorno, Bruce Auster, Kathy Goldgeier, Sachi Kobayashi and Julie Parr
Paper design by: Eric W. Lee
Website design in Squarespace by: Sachi Kobayashi
KUNR reporter Maria Palma interviewing an attendee at Fiesta on Wells 2021, a celebration of Hispanic Heritage, in Reno, Nevada (Credit: Natalie Van Hoozer)
Utah Public Radio science reporter intern Colleen Meidt and News Director Sheri Quinn with Jerry Schneider from the Seedscape Ecology Research group at Utah State University hiking through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island (Credit: Sheri Quinn)
WABE environmental reporter Molly Samuel interviewing Cedar Grove High School Head Football Coach, John Adams, about how Georgia football policies that help prevent heat exhaustion and death were adopted across the country (Credit: Matthew Pearson)
Arizona Public Media's News Director Christopher “Buzz” Conover and reporter Liliana Soto hosting “Your Vote 2022” (Credit: AZPM)