• by Ray Schultz , February 1, 2024

The merger of Mother Jones and The Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), which was announced last December, took effect on Thursday, Feb. 1. 

The combined newsroom will produce the Mother Jones magazine and website, the Reveal radio show and podcast, and documentary films such as The Grab, on efforts to control the planet’s supply of food and water. 

The organization now reaches 10 million people per month, including 3.5 million across digital platforms, 1.8 million on radio and podcasts, and nearly 500, 000 print or newsletter subscribers.

“This is a moment of tremendous urgency for journalism and for democracy,” said Monika Bauerlein, CEO of the newly merged organization. “By merging, we can shine a light into more dark corners, and reach more people with investigative reporting on the issues that matter most.” 

In addition to Bauerlein, the leadership includes Clara Jeffery, editor in Chief; Reveal host Al Letson; and Robert J. Rosenthal, CEO emeritus. 

Mother Jones was founded in 1976, and CIR in 1977. They have worked together on numerous reporting over the years. 

Case in point: last year’s investigation into the harm done to foster kids by  the nation’s largest chain of psychiatric hospitals.