(Media News) Mother Jones and Center for Investigative Reporting Announce Merger

Mother Jones and the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) announced their merger into a single nonprofit news outlet, set to be finalized by February 1 of the following year. This merger aims to pool the strengths of both organizations and expand their reach. Mother Jones is known for its progressive magazine and website, while CIR is recognized for its “Reveal” podcast and radio show. Both organizations, based in San Francisco, have collaborated since their inception in the 1970s.

The decision for the merger emerged from discussions about challenges in the journalism industry, particularly funding pressures. CIR, having faced tumultuous times with multiple rounds of layoffs and high leadership turnover, viewed the merger as an opportunity for a more sustainable and diverse revenue stream. According to CIR CEO Robert J. Rosenthal, the merger was seen as a chance to leverage Mother Jones’ more diverse and sophisticated “infrastructure of sustainability.”

The merger will combine Mother Jones’ 50,000 donors with CIR’s foundation support, diversifying its revenue model. Together, they have already raised $21 million over three years to fund the merger. Post-merger, Mother Jones magazine, and website, as well as the Reveal podcast, will continue operations. Monika Bauerlein, CEO of Mother Jones, will maintain her role, while Rosenthal will become CEO emeritus. The combined newsroom will be led by Clara Jeffery and will consist of 73 journalists. The merger will result in four administrative layoffs due to redundancies, bringing the total headcount to 118 people.

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