Houston Landing to shutter soon. When and why the Texas nonprofit newsroom is closing
Houston Landing will soon close its door after the nonprofit newsroom's board voted to cease operations due to financial difficulties.
The newsroom expects to stop publishing by mid-May, resulting in the closure of its operations and the loss of 43 staff positions.
'We are proud of the Landing's coverage of Greater Houston and continue to believe deeply in the need for more free, independent journalism in our region,' said Ann B. Stern, board chair of Houston Landing. 'This decision was difficult but necessary. Houston Landing's reporting has made a meaningful impact in the community, but it struggled to find its long-term financial footing.'
The organization launched with $20 million in seed funding but has struggled to develop additional revenue streams to sustain operations over the past two years.
As of Tuesday morning, the website still featured a hiring page, but the hyperlink inviting users to 'check out our open positions' was nonexistent.
'Houston Landing is hiring. Come work for us!' the page states. 'We are looking for passionate people to join our mission of advancing democracy and improving the lives of all Houstonians, one story at a time.'
Houston Landing was founded in February 2023 with support from the Houston Endowment, Arnold Ventures, Kinder Foundation, American Journalism Project, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
It emerged from a two-year study led by the American Journalism Project, which found that many Houstonians feel they lack access to a trusted source for in-depth reporting on issues that affect their daily lives.
'While it's with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our newsroom, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated journalists and staff members who poured their passion into our mission every single day,' said Peter Bhatia, CEO, Houston Landing.
'Houston Landing demonstrates how a commitment to truth and accountability can transform communities and improve lives. I'm thankful to those who believed in us, supported us, and stood with us as we connected with each other through stories that inspired positive change.'
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas nonprofit newsroom Houston Landing to shut down this spring
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