Solutions Partner

The Center Square offers free content partnership to public radio stations during CPB transition

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The Center Square, a national news organization focused on government accountability reporting, has announced a comprehensive content partnership program for public radio stations nationwide as they navigate the end of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding.

The initiative, launched by publisher Chris Krug and the nonprofit Franklin News Foundation, provides immediate access to professional-grade programming and news content at zero cost to participating stations.

“The Center Square has established itself as the nation’s leading source for state and local government accountability reporting, providing content from across the country and from Washington, D.C., of how taxpayer dollars are spent and how policy decisions affect local communities,” Krug said. “Government accountability reporting is essential to an informed citizenry. Our mission ensures that vital coverage continues, even as funding structures change.”

Content offerings

The partnership includes two primary components available immediately to all public radio stations:

  • The Center Square Radio Hour – A weekly one-hour program focused on state and local government accountability, professionally produced and broadcast-ready for immediate use. New episodes are available every Friday at noon ET.
  • The Center Square Newswire – A daily news feed covering federal, state and local government developments, including breaking news alerts and ready-to-use content that stations can integrate into existing programming.

Zero-barrier access

The program requires no fees, contracts or long-term commitments. Participating stations maintain complete editorial independence while gaining access to content that complements existing programming strengths.

“We recognize stations face difficult decisions about programming costs and sustainability,” Krug explained. “This offering carries no fees or commitments because quality journalism should remain accessible regardless of funding challenges.”

Key program benefits include:

  • No budget impact during financial constraints
  • Professional broadcast standards without production investment
  • Flexible integration as primary or supplemental content
  • Maintained editorial independence and journalistic integrity
  • Simple setup with dedicated technical support

Partnership details

Stations interested in participating can begin immediately by contacting Jerry Lyles, vice president for syndication and distribution, at JLyles@thecentersquare.com. Stations can also learn more about The Center Square’s Republishing Guidelines here.

The Center Square currently operates news bureaus across the country, providing coverage of state, local and federal government with a focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency.

The Franklin News Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting government accountability journalism, sponsors the partnership initiative.

About The Center Square:

The Center Square is a national news service focused on state and local government accountability reporting. Founded to fill gaps in statehouse and local government coverage, The Center Square publishes more than 55 stories each weekday, focused on local, state and federal government activities, spending and policy decisions affecting taxpayers.

About Franklin News Foundation:

Franklin News Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting independent journalism focused on government accountability and transparency. The foundation supports The Center Square’s investigative reporting and news distribution initiatives that serve the public interest.

Contact: Jerry Lyles
Vice President for Syndication and Distribution
The Center Square
jlyles@thecentersquare.com

Media Contact: Laurel Abraham
Chief Operating Officer
Franklin News Foundation
labraham@franklinnews.org