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No Ads? Newsprint? A Discussion of What Shaped the Public Press

San Francisco Public Press Publisher Lila LaHood talks with board chair David Cohn about the ideas — like going ad free and printing a physical newspaper — that would shape how the Public Press operates. “People who know the Public Press trust it in a very deep way, which, you know, you have to earn that trust.” — David Cohn, Public Press board chair

Looking Back on First 10 Years of the San Francisco Public Press

San Francisco Public Press Executive Director Michael Stoll and Publisher Lila LaHood look back on a decade of working in a nonprofit news operation they founded — including the hurdles they had to overcome to establish nonprofit status for the Public Press — and look to the future. “We are hewing much closer to the ideal of public media, which is to be a public trust, first and foremost, and not try to commoditize the news. You can do different kinds of journalism … if you start out from a place of public service.” —  Michael Stoll, San Francisco Public Press executive director

The Team That Created KSFP Radio and ‘Civic’

The San Francisco Public Press received support and assistance from many people who helped us secure our low-power FM construction permit from the FCC, raise funds for the project, develop the “Civic” show concept and launch the KSFP broadcast on 102.5 FM in San Francisco. More than 60 audiophiles attended our first radio-brainstorming meeting in September 2016. Over time, a small group coalesced into a steering committee withsupporting volunteers. We appreciate everyone who joined us and shared their inspiring ideas. From left: George Koster, Linda Jue, Megan Maurer, John Dillon
In particular, we thank Josh Wilson for encouraging us to apply for the construction permit: We wouldn’t be on air today without his enthusiastic nudging and guidance.

“Civic” Launch Party Recap

Nearly 100 people joined us Monday, Aug. 19, at the Impact Hub San Francisco to celebrate and learn about “Civic,” our marquee daily show and podcast focusing on local news and public affairs — now broadcasting Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on KSFP 102.5 FM in San Francisco. KSFP – new San Francisco FM radio station launch event
Posted by San Francisco Public Press on Monday, August 19, 2019

 
The evening included a preview of the show and podcast, and introductions to our audio team, including host and reporter Laura Wenus, producer Mel Baker and many of the people who helped us get on the air. Laura interviewed special guests Eugenia Chien, co-founder of Muni Diaries, and Peter Clarke, podcast producer for the transit story sharing community. The conversation was recorded and will be featured in a future episode of “Civic.”
 
Laura Wenus (left) talked with Eugenia Chien and Peter Clarke about the broad assortment of stories they’ve shared via Muni Diaries.

Noah Arroyo Discusses Veritas Lawsuit on “Your Call”

Noah Arroyo, assistant editor for the San Francisco Public Press, was a guest this morning on “Your Call” on KALW 91.7 FM. He spoke with host Rose Aguilar about his reporting on a tenant lawsuit against Veritas, one of San Francisco’s biggest landlords. Listen to the conversation here. The segment featuring Noah begins about 37 minutes into the program. Live now on Your Call’s media roundtable: we’re discussing anti-abortion legislation across the country, the Trump administration’s attack on the Title X family planning program, and the impact of the Global Gag Rule on women’s health around the world We will also talk about California’s affordable housing crisis and a lawsuit against Veritas, San Francisco’s biggest landlord.

Live From the Issue 27 Launch Party

Thanks to everyone who joined us Wednesday, March 20, at The Green Arcade to celebrate the launch of Issue 27, featuring reporting on a lawsuit filed against San Francisco’s largest landlord, the city’s “privacy-first policy” mandated by voter-approved Proposition B, and claims by environmentalists that fast-track housing policy talks did not include them — plus a first-hand account of San Francisco’s biennial homeless point-in-time count. You can watch the whole program here.

Against the Algorithm

Lila LaHood, publisher, and Michael Stoll, executive director. Photo by Daphne Magnawa // San Francisco Public Press
Though the newspaper and sfpublicpress.org are still the main ways we communicate with readers, like many news organizations we’re always looking ahead toward changes in how people consume local news. We recently tried a new way of connecting directly with readers craving insider info on city politics: Project Text, a two-month pilot in partnership with the Alpha Group at Advance Digital. We deployed veteran political reporter Joe Eskenazi to serve up daily text message tidbits — and several scoops! — around the June election.

Jonathan Logan Family Foundation logo

Challenge Grant From Jonathan Logan Family Foundation

The San Francisco Public Press is pleased to announce an exciting $25,000 challenge grant from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. The foundation also made a gift of $25,000 in unrestricted funding. 

To trigger the match, the Public Press must raise $25,000 in new contributions. The goal is to draw support from new members. But if you’re already a member, you can still help! Increased contributions from existing supporters qualify, too.