NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO AND URL MEDIA COLLABORATE ON CREATOR-LED EVENTS AND REVENUE INITIATIVES
Collaboration Will Develop New Models for Connecting Independent Media, Trusted Creators and Engaged Communities
New York, NY — New York Public Radio (NYPR), New York City’s audio and multiplatform center of excellence with local heart and global impact, has announced a collaboration with URL Media, an award-winning network of more than 50 independent publishers and content creators serving diverse communities across the United States. NYPR and URL Media will focus initially on creator-driven growth opportunities for revenue and impact, including a live event series starting in September.
Christy Tanner, President and CEO of NYPR, and URL Media co-founders S. Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax said the collaboration reflects shared strategic goals and values centered on investing in new business models for independent media.
“New coalitions, bold approaches, and radical collaborations such as our work with URL are essential as we lead a new era of democracy where journalism and creativity thrive, facts unite us, and power answers to the people,” Tanner said. “Our collaboration with URL Media is a call to action and an invitation to reimagine how creators and media organizations can collectively amplify impact and build community.”
URL Media is expanding at a moment when local journalism needs stronger partnerships, deeper community trust, and coverage that amplifies the voices of communities that are too often overlooked. With 50+ local publishers and a growing network of diverse content creators and distribution channels, CEO Mitra Kalita believes the network can grow to 100 partners and 250 vetted creators by 2028.
“Our partners are local, but they represent expansive communities and diasporas,” Kalita said. “They are constantly innovating across revenue and advertising because their survival depends on it. The partnership with NYPR builds on that momentum and opens up exciting possibilities.”
The NYPR-URL collaboration formalizes the organizations’ multi-year working relationship, which has included co-promotion of live events such as “Mamdani’s First 100 Days: Lessons from La Guardia,” guest expert interviews on WNYC and various revenue oriented activities. Future work will help elevate civic conversations, community voices, and trusted messengers, while creating new opportunities for partners, creators, and audiences.
Audiences under age 50 want independent multiplatform media models that represent community voices, and they are willing to support them financially, according to a Magid research study commissioned by NYPR. 56% said coverage of neighborhoods and boroughs across New York City is one of the most important reasons they would support NYPR.
ABOUT NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative, critically acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand and live-streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. The WNYC newsroom and Gothamist produce award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey and the surrounding region. WQXR, the city’s only all-classical radio station, broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all. WNYC Studios is a premier producer of on-demand and national broadcast audio and home to some of the industry’s most impactful award-winning podcasts and national radio shows, including “Radiolab,” “On the Media” and “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” among others. The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space is NYPR’s intimate street-level broadcast studio and live event space. Further information about programs, podcasts and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
ABOUT URL MEDIA
URL Media is transforming the media landscape by building a scalable, sustainable ecosystem that empowers trusted publishers and creators serving Black and Brown communities, strengthens their capacity, and directs investment and opportunity to these voices central to shaping our culture and democracy. Founded in 2021 by media trailblazers Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita, URL Media delivers authentic reach and lasting impact for brands, institutions, and audiences ready to engage meaningfully with diverse communities. For more information, visit url-media.com.