Introduction

What difference does New Hampshire Public Radio want to make in the world? That’s the question we asked ourselves last year as we strove to express a fresh vision for the multimedia, public service news organization that Granite Staters have built through their support over the past four decades.

Here’s where we landed: Through trustworthy journalism, NHPR enriches lives and helps build stronger communities, in New Hampshire and beyond.

This report on our work in the year ending June 30, 2022, spotlights high points in the 24/7/365 pursuit of honest, independent journalism that engages our listeners and readers in civic life and strengthens the communities we serve. 

NHPR’s Newsroom maintained its vigilant focus on the pandemic, exposing disinformation and confusing data that clouded understanding of the public health picture. 

Our Document team investigated “death resulting” laws that treat overdose deaths as homicides. The team detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive leadership at New Hampshire’s largest addiction recovery network.

With housing shortages and rising rents squeezing New Hampshire’s economy, the Newsroom conducted a public education campaign on housing rights, with information available in seven languages.

Environmental journalism remained a core focus. The Newsroom’s “By Degrees” project helped audiences understand New Hampshire’s energy system and its impact on climate change. Outside/In’s “Windfall” series explored the rise of New England’s offshore wind energy industry, drawing large national radio and podcast audiences.

We prioritized civic health and engagement. Civics 101 doubled its impact with a new weekly release schedule and broadcast specials that aired on scores of public radio stations. “In Our Backyard” examined the state of local democracy. NHPR partnered with NH Civics on “Building Civic Strength”: in-person and broadcast events about ways to participate in a democratic society.

The North Star of NHPR’s new strategic plan is doubling and diversifying the reach of our journalism by engaging new listeners and readers. The expansion of our Spanish and bilingual news services is at the leading edge of these efforts. We launched Visibles, a weekly series in which Latino neighbors share personal stories. It’s produced in both English and Spanish.

With our democracy imperiled, our planet’s health at mounting risk and our politics fractured, NHPR’s commitment to trustworthy, independent, accurate news could not be more vital. That’s why we’re grateful for the support of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the individuals, businesses, nonprofits and foundations that make our urgent work possible.

Banner Photo: "Babikir Abdallah”: Babikir Abdallah, originally from Sudan, participates in his first U.S. election in Manchester, NH. Photo by Casey McDermott.