Melissa Bell Discusses Chicago Public Media's WBEZ-Sun-Times Merger on State of Local News Podcast
In a recent episode of the State of Local News Podcast, Tim Franklin chatted with Melissa Bell, CEO of Chicago Public Media, about the merger that happened on January 31, 2022. This merger joined WBEZ with the Chicago Sun-Times, creating the largest nonprofit local newsroom. It received backing of $61 million from various donors and foundations. Bell noted a 25% rise in membership and over 48% growth in development, despite facing challenges like a $3 million cut in federal funding and the departure of 35 journalists. The newsrooms are now led by editor-in-chief Kimbriell Kelly, and a new digital site, chicago.com, will launch in five neighborhoods. This episode aired on October 1, 2026.
Key facts
- Chicago Public Media acquired the Chicago Sun-Times on January 31, 2022, and converted it to a nonprofit, creating the largest nonprofit local newsroom in the nation.
- The acquisition was backed by $61 million in pledges over five years from foundations and civic donors.
- Melissa Bell became CEO of Chicago Public Media two years ago and has overseen the integration of WBEZ and the Sun-Times.
- In Bell's first year, about 35 journalists left through buyouts, and the print contract was renegotiated.
- Chicago Public Media lost about $3 million in federal funding last year, which is 6% of its total budget.
- Membership grew by 25% and development by over 48% in the past year.
- The newsrooms are fully merged under editor-in-chief Kimbriell Kelly, with reporters organized into topic-based desks and platform-specific teams.
- Chicago Public Media launched chicago.com, a digital community platform, in partnership with New Public and its Roundabout technology, starting in five Chicago neighborhoods: Evanston, Avondale, South Shore, Bronzeville, and Edgewater.
Entities
Artists
- Melissa Bell
- Tim Franklin
- Evan Smith
- Kimbriell Kelly
- Newton Minow
- Eric Barnes
Institutions
- Chicago Public Media
- WBEZ
- Chicago Sun-Times
- State of Local News Podcast
- Medill Local News Initiative
- Northwestern University
- Vox.com
- Vox Media
- The Verge
- Eater
- SB Nation
- New York Magazine
- The Washington Post
- Mint
- Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
- Oxford University
- Medill Hall of Achievement
- Texas Tribune
- San Antonio Report
- Texas Public Radio
- The Daily Memphian
- Salt Lake Tribune
- New Public
- Roundabout
- Chicago Public Library System
- MacArthur Foundation
- Knight Foundation
- Joyce Foundation
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- YouTube
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Illinois
- Evanston
- Avondale
- South Shore
- Bronzeville
- Edgewater
- San Antonio
- Texas
- Lancaster
- Pennsylvania
- Denton
- Memphis
- Salt Lake City
- Utah
- India
- Oxford
- United Kingdom