Journalism as Civic Infrastructure

Provides microgrants of up to $1,000 to support community film screenings, covering licensing fees and hosting expenses to expand audience engagement with social issue documentaries.

Awards grants to support the production and completion of documentary films that highlight urgent social issues, enabling their participation in major film festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, and DOC NYC. Examples include "March Forth," "Seized," "Lowland Kids," and "Daughters."

Awards grants and matching funds to nonprofit organizations working on social issues highlighted in supported documentaries, such as Gideon's Promise, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and Bishop Accountability. Grants range from $25,000 to $30,000 and include matching donation campaigns during film festivals.

Organizes and participates in public panel discussions and film festival events, such as at the Sundance and DOC NYC film festivals, to raise awareness about documentaries like "Lowland Kids" and "Nuns vs. The Vatican" and mobilize audience support.

Processes donations to partner organizations such as Gideon's Promise, passing through 100% of funds minus credit card processing fees, to support their mission-aligned work.

Funded the establishment of an education fund for girls featured in the film "Daughters" via Girls For A Change and awarded a $20,000 grant to support disaster services and the creation of a Resilience Hub for the Jean Charles Choctaw Nation.

Produces and distributes news content aimed at informing the public on media-related issues and current events.

Produces and distributes objective international and domestic news stories to educate the American public.

Develops and facilitates community conversations across New York City’s five boroughs focused on affordability and other critical urban issues, amplifying community voices through broadcast and digital platforms.

Hosts candidate forums for US House Democratic primaries and quarterly “Ask the Mayor” segments, enabling public participation through call-in and text questions. Also produces daily public affairs call-in shows that allow New Yorkers to engage directly with elected officials and experts on pressing issues.

Organizes special events such as the Centennial Gala, in-person conversations with on-air talent, behind-the-scenes access, and state-of-the-station updates to engage supporters and celebrate programming.

Develops and launches new audio programming such as the weekly “Soundcheck” radio show, which features live performances and artist interviews, with episodes also distributed as a podcast.

Operates WQXR, New York City’s only full-time classical music station, and produces live broadcasts from Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Trinity Church, Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, and NJPAC. Also produces nationally syndicated classical programs such as “Carnegie Hall Live” and “Classical Music Happy Hour with Emanuel Ax,” and hosts prominent classical artists.

Produces local and national news coverage on politics, transit, housing, and culture through WNYC and Gothamist newsrooms, broadcast and streamed to New York City and surrounding areas. The newsrooms have been recognized by duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow, Online News Association, New York Press Club, and Webby awards, and were Pulitzer Prize finalists in 2025 for audio reporting.

Creates and oversees nationally distributed podcasts and radio programs such as “Radiolab,” “On the Media,” “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” “Blindspot,” “More Perfect,” “Dead End,” and “Death, Sex & Money,” which are available on broadcast and on-demand platforms.

Conducts in-depth investigations into systemic issues in New York City, including abuse at Rikers Island, inequities in the school system, failures in city infrastructure, and misconduct in public institutions. These reports include series on sexual abuse allegations at Rikers, Brooklyn school debt practices, school ventilation investments during COVID-19, and voter access barriers at tax-exempt institutions.

Produces multi-platform live and livestreamed cultural events including “Broadway on the Radio,” “Theater of War on the Radio,” and “Carnegie Hall Live,” expanding audience access to major cultural performances through radio and digital platforms.

Offers public access to archival materials upon request, supporting research and historical inquiry.