Program areas at Chicago Public Media
Chicago Public Media, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that serves the Public interest by producing and delivering diverse, compelling content of multiple viewpoints and expression. Chicago Public Media broadcasts its service on four non-commercial fm radio stations: wbez 91.5 fm in Chicago, wbeq 90.7 fm in morris, 91.7 fm (w219cd) in elgin, Illinois, and wbek 91.1 fm in kankakee, Illinois; digitally via wbez.org, smart speakers, mobile apps, podcasts and in live events that generate conversations across communities.
Chicago Public Media operates vocalo, a Public Media on-line/on-air service, on 91.1 fm which is broadcast on wbew 89.5 fm in chesterton, Indiana, and on 91.1 fm (w216cl) in Chicago, Illinois, online at vocalo.org, and syndicated on multiple stations around chicagoland. Vocalo was established as an inspirational brand that celebrates our city's cultural diversity and brings the community together around music - specifically, the urban alternative format. In may 2024, vocalo ceased its live broadcast but continues to have pre-programmed content on its broadcast and stream while Chicago Public Media considers the next steps for the license.
Who funds Chicago Public Media
Grants from foundations and other nonprofits
| Grantmaker | Grantmaker tax period | Description | Amount |
|---|
| The Chicago Community Trust | 2023-09 | General Operating Support, $5,000: Support for Wbez's Annual Fund; $5,000: Support for the Sound Impact Campaign, Unrestricted, Support for Wbez 91.5 in Chicago, General Operating Support - Leadership Circle (No Tickets Or Tangible Benefits), Support for Wbez - Leadership Circle (No Tickets Or Tangible Benefits), To Support the Transition of the Chicago Sun-Times Into the Chicago Public Media's Umbrella of Local Journalism, Support for Public Broadcasting, General Operating Support for Wbez Chicago, Support for CPM Gala (No Tickets Or Tangible Benefits) and Annual Unrestricted Support | $5,204,100 |
| Corporation for Public Broadcasting | 2023-09 | RCSG | $1,470,175 |
| John S. and James L. Knight Foundation | 2022-12 | To Support the Post-Acquisition Transition of the Chicago Sun-Times Into Chicago Public Media, in Order To Support Chicago Media and Learn From A Unique Model That Could Potentially Be Replicated in Other U.s. Cities. | $1,000,000 |
| ...and 193 more grants received totalling $12,136,975 |
Personnel at Chicago Public Media
| Name | Title | Compensation | Date of data |
|---|
| Julian Posada | President and Chief Executive Officer | $0 | 2024-11-26 |
| Melissa Bell | Chief Executive Officer | | 2024-11-26 |
| Rina Dedhia | Chief Financial Officer | $326,581 | 2024-11-26 |
| Kassandra Stephenson | Chief Marketing Officer | $175,827 | 2022-06-30 |
| Lucy Kim | Chief Advancement Officer | $323,562 | 2024-07-11 |
| ...and 22 more key personnel |
Financials for Chicago Public Media
| Revenues | FYE 06/2024 | FYE 06/2023 | % Change |
|---|
| Total grants, contributions, etc. | $28,166,867 | $30,954,140 | -9% |
| Program services | $1,879,483 | $2,223,748 | -15.5% |
| Investment income and dividends | $2,526,366 | $1,887,284 | 33.9% |
| Tax-exempt bond proceeds | $0 | $0 | - |
| Royalty revenue | $344,800 | $260,400 | 32.4% |
| Net rental income | $168,497 | $160,220 | 5.2% |
| Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets | $803,688 | $3,396,273 | -76.3% |
| Net income from fundraising events | $-137,215 | $-184,207 | 25.5% |
| Net income from gaming activities | $0 | $0 | - |
| Net income from sales of inventory | $0 | $0 | - |
| Miscellaneous revenues | $0 | $0 | - |
| Total revenues | $33,752,486 | $38,697,858 | -12.8% |
Organizations like Chicago Public Media
| Organization | Type | Location | Revenue |
|---|
| South Florida PBS | 501(c)(3) | Boynton Beach, FL | $16,553,374 |
| Wnet | 501(c)(3) | New York, NY | $111,051,975 |
| KCTS9 Kcts9org Crosscutcom | 501(c)(3) | Seattle, WA | $38,552,567 |
| Kvie | 501(c)(3) | Sacramento, CA | $18,432,415 |
| Kcet PBS Socal Or Link TV | 501(c)(3) | Burbank, CA | $37,064,836 |
| KCPT | 501(c)(3) | Kansas City, MO | $12,167,598 |
| Austin PBS | 501(c)(3) | Austin, TX | $18,418,432 |
| Window To the World Communications (WTTW) | 501(c)(3) | Chicago, IL | $39,120,585 |
| Maine Public (MPBN) | 501(c)(3) | Lewiston, ME | $23,575,872 |
| Nine PBS | 501(c)(3) | Saint Louis, MO | $12,107,880 |
Data update history
November 26, 2024
Updated personnel
Identified 3 new personnel
November 24, 2024
Used new vendors
Identified 1 new vendor, including
July 11, 2024
Updated personnel
Identified 16 new personnel
Nonprofit Types
Arts, culture, and humanities nonprofitsMedia and communications organizationsTelevision producers / broadcastersHeadquarter / parent organizationsCharities
Issues
Arts, cultural, and humanities
Characteristics
MembershipsFundraising eventsState / local levelReceives government fundingEndowed supportGala fundraisersTax deductible donationsAccepts online donations
General information
- Address
- 848 E Grand Ave Navy Pier
- Chicago, IL 60611
- Metro area
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- County
- Cook County, IL
- Website URL
- wbez.org/Â
- Phone
- (312) 948-4600
- Facebook page
- wbez915Â
- Twitter profile
- @wbezÂ
IRS details
- EIN
- 36-3687394
- Fiscal year end
- June
- Taxreturn type
- Form 990
- Year formed
- 1989
- Eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions (Pub 78)
- Yes
Categorization
- NTEE code, primary
- A32: Television
- NAICS code, primary
- 51512: Television Broadcasting
- Parent/child status
- Central organization
California AB-488 details
- AB 488 status
- May Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes
- Charity Registration status
- Current - Awaiting Reporting
- FTB status revoked
- Not revoked
- AG Registration Number
- CT0249603
- FTB Entity ID
- None yet
- AB 488 data last updated ("as-of") date
- 2024-12-31
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