Reporters and editors gather from the newly combined newsroom of St. Louis Public Radio and the Beacon. (Photo by Jess Luther)
Twenty-four individuals, four foundations and two trusts have contributed $3 million to support the expanded news operation of St. Louis Public Radio – the local NPR affiliate licensed to the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
The expanded newsroom is the result of a merger that integrated 13 veteran journalists from the online news service St. Louis Beacon into St. Louis Public Radio late last year.
Longtime benefactor of St. Louis Public Radio and the Beacon, Emily Rauh Pulitzer contributed a $1 million lead gift.
Donors contributing more than $100,000 include Richard and Josephine Weil, Connie and Dan Burkhardt, Nancy and Ken Kranzberg, William H. Danforth, M.D., Harriet and Leon Felman and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Reflecting on donor support, St. Louis Public Radio General Manager Tim Eby said, “This is a unique endeavor that might not have been possible without the generous support of individuals and foundations whose interest is community development and an informed democracy.”
The combined news staff is located at UMSL at Grand Center, 3651 Olive St. in St. Louis, which houses university classrooms and St. Louis Public Radio. Grand Center is the region’s largest arts and entertainment district.
