About Us

The Chicago Reporter's investigations engage leaders and concerned citizens in critical issues – all with a unique focus on race and poverty. The Reporter's work helps move ideas to action, arming communities, advocates and decision makers with information and providing opportunities for dialogue.

Through data, analysis and the compelling stories of those most affected by inequality, the bimonthly print and online newsmagazine serves as an important watchdog of government and other institutions.

The Reporter was founded by John A. McDermott in 1972, a time when Chicago, as the rest of the nation, struggled to come to terms with the gains of the civil rights era and the resistance that followed. McDermott saw that the era of marches and lunch counter protests had come to an end. What people needed were facts.

The publication broke dozens of stories documenting widespread discrimination against African Americans in corporate hiring, city services and governmental affairs. But over the years, the city – and the region – has changed, with growing Latino and Asian populations, an influx of immigrants into quickly growing suburbs and the rising challenge of gentrification in many city neighborhoods.

The Reporter continues to rise to the task of reporting and analyzing these increasingly complex questions of race and poverty. Now in its 35th year, the newsmagazine’s pioneering use of sophisticated data analysis, multimedia features and compelling personal accounts continues to make an impact. Used by politicians and government officials, policy makers, academics and concerned individuals nationwide, the Reporter still breaks news and influences agendas.

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