Independence-First Funding Model

Creates and distributes nonpartisan, investigative journalism focused on civic and political issues in Ithaca, Tompkins County, and surrounding areas to strengthen public understanding and engagement.

Advocated for the removal of the Interstate 81 viaduct in downtown Syracuse, contributing to public discourse and the eventual state decision to demolish the structure and replace it with a street-level Community Grid to reconnect divided neighborhoods.

Produces and publishes ad-free, independent news content focused exclusively on Central New York through its website, newsletters, and social media, reaching approximately 25,000 unique readers monthly. Reporting includes articles, photographs, and audio, with a mission to inform the community and hold public institutions accountable.

Conducts investigative reporting that has led to measurable public sector changes, such as prompting the Syracuse Police Department to adopt new vehicle tracking technology and revise disciplinary policies. The organization has received 25 Syracuse Press Club awards, including first prize for investigative journalism in 2025.

Employs journalists, interns, and freelancers in its newsroom, contributing to local journalism capacity and workforce development in Central New York.

Produces and broadcasts a weekly podcast during election seasons and a monthly podcast series titled "It’s Happening Here," distributed via HD radio on stations in Syracuse, Utica, and Watertown.

Leading a billion-dollar redevelopment of public housing on Syracuse’s Southside, including replacement and new construction of housing units, and conducting physical needs assessments such as for Eastwood Homes due to aging infrastructure.

Produces limited-series reporting projects on significant local issues, including political shifts and election impacts in Central New York, to deepen community understanding of civic developments.

Operates a free citywide 10K basketball tournament at Wilson Park in partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority, providing access to sports for youth who cannot afford AAU leagues. Includes transportation via SHA shuttles, distribution of sneakers (including donations from NBA player Rajon Rondo), and over $80,000 in prize money distributed over six consecutive years.

Produces award-winning, in-depth journalism on major global events including climate summits, conflicts, coups, and social movements, with 25 years of coverage challenging powerful institutions and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Produces a 59-minute live, daily news program featuring breaking news and in-depth interviews on global issues, broadcast on over 1,500 public television and radio stations worldwide. The program airs globally across the U.S., Canada, Central and South America, and Europe.

Distributes daily news via audio and video podcasts, RSS feeds, and a daily email digest featuring headlines and in-depth interviews. Includes the podcast series "Breaking the Sound Barrier" hosted by Amy Goodman and Denis Moynihan.

Hosts class visits to live broadcasts in New York City, provides virtual class discussions, delivers educational presentations at conferences, and creates teaching materials based on Democracy Now! news clips for classroom use.

Trains early-career journalists who have gone on to prominent roles in independent media and provides professional development seminars for teachers integrating media into education.

Organized a successful campaign led by listeners and staff to replace Pacifica Radio’s management with a more democratic governance structure.

Uses story ideas submitted by the public to inform news coverage and engages volunteers to support live events and speaking tours featuring Amy Goodman.

Provides Spanish-language news headlines broadcast on radio stations across the U.S., Central and South America, and Europe, and offers a Spanish-language version of its podcast for global audiences.

Produces a weekly syndicated column and audio content on social justice issues in collaboration with Denis Moynihan.