Chance the Rapper acquires Chicagoist from WNYC

Chance the Rapper has been known to throw himself and his resources into causes that hit close to home. He gave Chicago public schools $1 million last year, and also made efforts to help support SoundCloud when the platform that helped break him to mainstream success was struggling. Now he’s embarking on another Windy City campaign. The performer has acquired the assets for Chicagoist, a local news and media website, from WNYC, the flagship station of New York Public Radio.

“We are delighted that the Chicagoist assets are finding a new home in the hands of a proud Chicagoan,” said Laura Walker, president and CEO of New York Public Radio. “WNYC has a strong commitment to local journalism and building community, and we are pleased that these assets will be used to support local coverage in the great city of Chicago.”

“I’m extremely excited to be continuing the work of the Chicagoist, an integral local platform for Chicago news, events and entertainment,” Chance The Rapper said. “WNYC’s commitment to finding homes for the “ist” brands, including Chicagoist, was an essential part of continuing the legacy and integrity of the site. I look forward to re-launching it and bringing the people of Chicago an independent media outlet focused on amplifying diverse voices and content.”

After Gothamist and its companion network of popular hyper-local news sites were unceremoniously shuttered by their owner early this year, a group of public radio outfits banded together to keep the properties alive. WNYC helped relaunch Gothamist, while LAist was taken over by Pasadena station KPCC and DCist by WAMU.

Anna Washenko