Melissa Bell, former writer of Vox Media, will change into the subsequent CEO of Chicago Public Media, the nonprofit proprietor of the Chicago Solar-Instances and public radio station WBEZ, amid robust occasions for information organizations.Bell co-founded the explanatory journalism web site Vox.com and finally oversaw different media manufacturers, corresponding to Eater and The Verge. She additionally labored on digital technique for The Washington Put up. Bell stepped again from Vox in 2023 to change into visiting fellow on the Reuters Institute for the Examine of Journalism at Oxford College, the place she studied the influence of reports avoidance on native journalism in america.Bell is to begin her new job Sept. 3. “It’s an honor to tackle this position, the place there may be each a large alternative and an pressing necessity to strengthen the position of public media in our native communities. There’s a declining belief, and extra worrisome, a declining curiosity in information at a crucial time in Chicago and for our nation,” mentioned Bell, who acquired her grasp’s diploma from Northwestern College’s Medill College of Journalism.“There are challenges going through CPM, however they don’t seem to be insurmountable. In reality, there may be a lot potential that comes from the collaboration between WBEZ and the Chicago Solar-Instances. I’m excited to return to Chicago to work alongside the numerous gifted, passionate journalists and employees to construct sustainable and scalable options for producing high quality, accessible native information.”CPM Board Chair Robert Pasin praised Bell’s “unbelievable depth of expertise as a media government and writer, a product chief and as a reporter.”“Not solely does Melissa have a confirmed monitor document in rising Vox Media’s viewers, she is aware of her method round a newsroom,” Pasin mentioned, noting that, earlier than beginning Vox, she wrote a weekly shopper expertise column for The Washington Put up.She succeeds Matt Moog, who will step down as soon as Bell begins in September. Moog’s four-year tenure included shepherding the 2022 merger of the Solar-Instances and WBEZ, a deal that netted $61 million in basis assist. However his time led to controversy.Unions at each organizations criticized Moog for pocketing an almost 20% pay hike whereas presiding over layoffs in response to declining income. The unions additionally made public allegations of a “hostile work surroundings” at Chicago Public Media.Moog introduced final December he would step down simply because the unions pressed for a board investigation. He has continued as CEO whereas his successor was sought.Pasin mentioned, “Underneath Matt’s management, Chicago Public Media has change into a nationwide mannequin for the way forward for native information. The landmark acquisition of the Chicago Solar-Instances helped to develop our attain and improve our journalistic capabilities. Moog’s dedication and strategic imaginative and prescient have been instrumental in strengthening Chicago Public Media as a frontrunner in public service journalism.”This can be a creating story. Examine again for updates.