In a significant move to bolster local journalism, KERA, a prominent name in public media, has successfully acquired The Denton Record-Chronicle. This acquisition, executed through a wholly owned LLC subsidiary, has transformed the newspaper into a nonprofit entity within the expansive KERA ecosystem, which encompasses KERA TV, KERA News, KXT 91.7, and WRR 101.1. The initial discussions regarding this acquisition were made public by KERA last year.
Nico Leone, President & CEO of KERA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our collaboration with The Denton Record-Chronicle is rooted in a shared mission — to ensure that local news remains in local hands in Denton County. We are thrilled to embark on this journey together.” Echoing this sentiment, Bill Patterson, Publisher of The Denton Record-Chronicle, remarked, “This alliance not only benefits our two organizations but is a significant victory for the residents of Denton and Denton County.”
The acquisition promises enhanced collaboration between the two newsrooms, leveraging shared resources and expertise. This synergy aims not only to uphold the reliability of news in Denton County but also to amplify its reach to a broader North Texas audience. Subscribers of The Record-Chronicle will continue to receive their regular news updates. However, this new chapter presents a plethora of growth avenues for both entities. The Record-Chronicle’s team will now have opportunities to integrate their reporting with the KERA newsroom, engage with listeners on KERA News 90.1, and even participate in podcasts.
Patterson added, “Our commitment to keeping our communities well-informed will be evident through new offerings like podcasts and joint reporting, covering a range of topics from local news and education to sports and business.”
In 2021, with a vision for a sustainable future for the paper, Patterson approached The National Trust for Local News. While The Trust has been instrumental in the growth and preservation of numerous news organizations, the KERA and The Record-Chronicle partnership stands out. It’s a pioneering model, with few public media stations anchoring a local newspaper, setting a precedent for the preservation of local news on a national scale.
Leone believes in the limitless potential of this model, stating, “In a world where news is becoming increasingly partisan, the trust and sustainability offered by public media are invaluable. This model holds immense promise not just for Denton but for newsrooms nationwide.”
KERA’s innovative collaborations aren’t confined to Denton County. They lead The Texas Newsroom, a hub promoting statewide collaboration and enhanced access to crucial reporting across Texas. In 2022, KERA initiated partnerships with The Fort Worth Report and The Dallas Morning News, aiming to broaden nonprofit news in Tarrant County and arts and culture journalism in North Texas, respectively. Additionally, KERA recently took the reins of WRR, a 102-year-old classical music station nestled in Fair Park.
KERA’s consistent growth and partnerships solidify its influential presence in North Texas and beyond. These collaborations ensure that the associated newsrooms remain deeply rooted in the communities they serve.
Source: KERA News.