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WNYC, New York City's public radio station, is acquiring the Gothamist news site that was closed in November by billionaire Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade.
Financed by two anonymous donors, WNYC's deal covers the Gothamist's archives, domain name and social media assets.
Public radio stations KPCC (Pasadena) and WAMU (Washington) are buying Gothamist's local sites in their respective markets.
Laura Walker, WNYC president, called the Gothamist a source of trusted news. "That resonates with us at WNYC, where we are committed to telling stories rooted in New York and that matter to New Yorkers," she said in a statement. "As we’ve seen a decline in local journalism in even the largest metropolitan areas across the country, even at a time when it’s so vital, we remain committed to strong, independent reporting that fills the void."
WNYC plans to bring back Gothamist founders publisher Jake Dobkin and editor Jen Chung, when the site is re-launched in the Spring.
Ricketts also shuttered DNAinfo, which was sister site to the Gothamist, after staffers voted to join the Writers Guild of America East union.
WNYC's reporters, producers and hosts belong to the SAG-Aftra union.
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