St. Louis Public Radio and the nonprofit St. Louis Beacon have signed a letter of intent to explore an alliance, they announced today. The two already work together in a Beacon news bureau in Washington, D.C., and on “Beyond November,” a comprehensive election-coverage project that also includes a partnership with the Nine Network of Public Media.
“We see the digital revolution as a historic opportunity to further establish St. Louis as a leader in journalism innovation,” said Tim Eby, St. Louis Public Radio g.m. “As we plan together, the core idea that will guide us is the question ‘Will this help us better serve the community?’”
The non-binding letter of intent authorizes the two organizations to share expertise and develop options for a formal arrangement. Eby and Margaret Wolf Freivogel, a founder and the editor of the Beacon, expect exploratory discussions to conclude by the beginning of 2013.