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Can public media build its own social network? Chicago Public Media teams up with New_ Public to try

Published 13 August 2026

If a news outlet announces a website launch, you might think it’s safe to assume it’s a news website that’s launching. But that’s not what Chicago Public Media has in mind for chicago.com. Chicago Public Media is already the parent nonprofit of two existin

The launch of chicago.com as a social network raises important questions about the role of public media in the digital age. As traditional business models for news outlets continue to evolve, public media organizations are seeking new ways to engage with audiences and build sustainable revenue streams. By creating a community-driven platform, Chicago Public Media is attempting to tap into the social media landscape, and create a new model for public media that is more interactive and participatory. This approach has the potential to increase audience engagement, and provide a new source of revenue for the organization.

The economics of launching a social network are complex, and require significant investment in infrastructure, staffing, and marketing. However, the potential rewards are substantial, as a successful social network can provide a new source of revenue through advertising, sponsored content, and user subscriptions. Key metrics, such as user engagement, retention, and revenue growth, will be crucial in determining the success of chicago.com. Some of the key features of the platform will include:
* User profiles and community groups
* Local news and event coverage
* Discussion forums and comment sections
* Partner content from local organizations and businesses

The launch of chicago.com is part of a broader trend in public media, as organizations seek to create new models for engagement and revenue generation. As traditional business models for news outlets continue to decline, public media organizations are looking to social media and community-driven platforms as a way to build new relationships with audiences, and create sustainable revenue streams. >
"The future of public media is not just about broadcasting, but about building a community of engaged and active citizens, who are invested in the success of their local media outlets."

As chicago.com launches and begins to grow, it will be important to monitor its progress, and assess its impact on the local media landscape. What comes next will depend on a variety of factors, including user adoption, revenue growth, and the ability of the platform to create a sense of community and engagement among users. If successful, chicago.com could provide a model for other public media organizations, and help to shape the future of local news and community engagement.

The launch of chicago.com as a social network is a significant development in the world of public media, and has the potential to create a new model for community-driven platforms. By partnering with New_ Public, and leveraging the power of social media, Chicago Public Media is taking a bold step into the future, and creating a new way for audiences to engage with local news and events. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it will be important to watch the progress of chicago.com, and see if it can provide a sustainable and engaging model for public media in the digital age.

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