Center for Investigative Reporting, The Bay Citizen explore Merger

The Center for Investigative Reporting and The Bay Citizen agreed to formally explore a merger, a move that would combine the oldest nonprofit investigative news group in the nation with a startup newsroom focused on the San Francisco Bay Area. T

he boards of both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to begin working out details of merging their two staffs. The deal still has hurdles to clear before a merger can be completed. Former San Francisco Chronicle Executive Editor Phil Bronstein and CIR’s current executive director, Robert J. Rosenthal, will lead the combined organization. Bronstein will assume the role of executive chairman of the newly constituted 19-member board of directors. In his new role, a paid position, Bronstein's focus will be on overall strategy and audience engagement. He will emphasize fundraising and developing new ways to sustain the nonprofit. As executive director of the combined operation, Rosenthal will oversee day-to-day operations of a staff that will number about 65 people. He also will play a key role in creating a vision for the merged organization.