More than 4.1 million City residents get their news outside traditional English-language media. By engaging diverse local media, we can reach more New Yorkers, promote equity in access to government information and services, and reinforce our commitment to transparency and inclusion.

To support this work, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito in 2014 created the position of Director of Media Diversity Relations to help staff increase their understanding of the challenges for this sector and guide them in effective and culturally competent practices.

In 2016, the Speaker and Mayor announced the creation of a community media directory for Council and City agency staff and emphasized the availability of working space at City Hall for community media journalists. The Speaker has also advocated for proportional City ad dollars for these media, many of which reach vulnerable communities.

At the Council, we’ve also held regular roundtables and conference calls as a vehicle for the Speaker and community media editors to exchange information. Our Press FAQ was also designed to help journalists navigate the Council.