by Seattle-based Noisy Creek
The newspaper has changed hand several times over the years, most recently becoming a nonprofit in 2022 under the Reader Institute for Community Journalism.
After the layoffs in January, the Reader began to step up donor outreach, and the publication announced in April that it would be able to avoid closure as a result of the fundraising campaign.
"The Reader has been at risk of shutting down too many times over the years," the newspaper said in a note to readers today. "We’ve existed for ten mayoral administrations, carefully chronicling how the city has grown to be what it is today—never backing down from the stories that needed to be told.
"We’ve reported from underground music venues, distinctive restaurants, and storefront theaters," the email continued. "After half a century, the Reader is still here. We’re not going anywhere. We’ll see you in the streets."
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Editor-in-Chief Salem Collo-Julin will be leaving the Reader after nearly two years in the role, and the publication is looking for a replacement. Rob Crocker is the new interim publisher at the Reader and also the chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Noisy Creek, while former publisher Amber Nettles is now director of advertising and revenue products. The changes went into effect week of August 25th.
Credentials
Laura Turbay | Crain's Chicago Business | August 26, 2025
