Craig Newmark, Newspaper Villain, Is Working to Save Journalism

Craig Newmark, creator of Craigslist and often accused of destroying journalism, is now doing his best to revive it. Researchers eventually estimated that Craigslist had drained $5 billion from American newspapers over a seven-year period. In the Bay Area, the media was especially hard hit. Newmark is trying to stop the bleeding — although not there. He is among a gaggle of West Coast technology moguls who are riding to the rescue of the beleaguered East Coast media.

On Oct 17, New York Public Radio announced a $2.5 million gift from Newmark to expand its newsroom. That brings his total philanthropic efforts involving media in the last year to $50 million, much of it centered on New York. “A trustworthy press is the immune system of democracy,” Newmark said. “Like we say in Jersey” — he hails from Morristown (NJ) — “you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is."