Local News

What to know about the new GBH merger

GBH and New England Public Media are planning a merger to expand the statewide news network.

GBH headquarters. Matthew J. Lee / The Boston Globe

May 2, 2026 | 9:05 AM

1 minute to read

Two of Massachusetts’ largest public media organizations plan to join forces, as GBH and New England Public Media (NEPM) announced Friday that they intend to merge to expand local journalism across the state.

The proposed merger would bring together GBH, NEPM, and Cape and Islands radio station CAI to form one of the largest and most trusted statewide public media newsroom networks in the Commonwealth, GBH President and CEO Susan Goldberg said in an emailed statement.

The combined organization aims to increase reporting capacity and broaden access to free, fact-based news, as public media organizations face mounting financial pressures.

Last July, Congress approved more than $1.1 billion in cuts from public media nationwide.

“In a media landscape that is constantly changing, and particularly in the wake of federal defunding of public media, we are finding new ways to be as impactful as possible for the communities we serve,” Goldberg said. “Simply put, we are stronger together.”

There are no changes to memberships and no immediate plans for staff reductions, Goldberg said.

“In fact, we plan to invest in new roles,” she added.

Under the plan, NEPM will continue to operate as the primary public media provider in Western Massachusetts, maintaining its studios in Springfield and at the University of Massachusetts. Its brand and programming — including local news, music, and educational shows — will remain in place, according to the announcement.

GBH will continue to be headquartered in Boston and maintain a presence across the state, including at CAI in Falmouth and a new bureau at the Worcester Public Library.

Goldberg said the merger would also allow for expanded statewide programming and events while preserving each station’s local brand and focus. Donations and underwriting are expected to stay tied to local operations.

The merger is due to be completed this summer.

“Thank you, as always, for your commitment to public media,” Goldberg said. “Your support makes all of this possible, and we look forward to building this exciting future together — one that ensures paywall-free access to trusted news and quality entertainment for everyone in the Commonwealth.”