Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Michigan Chronicle, WDIV-TV 4 Announce Media Partnership to Elevate Local News Coverage and Community Engagement

Michigan Chronicle, WDIV-TV 4 Announce Media Partnership to Elevate Local News Coverage and Community Engagement

March 12, 2024

The Michigan Chronicle
Feb. 27, 2024
Jeremy Allen

The Michigan Chronicle, a subsidiary of Real Times Media, and WDIV-TV 4, Detroit’s NBC affiliate, are proud to announce an expansive media partnership aimed at enhancing the impact of local news and information dissemination.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards bolstering community engagement, fostering inclusivity, and enriching the depth of coverage on issues vital to Detroit and the state of Michigan. Under the umbrella of this innovative partnership, the collaboration between the Michigan Chronicle and WDIV extends beyond coverage of local events. It encompasses content collaboration, shared reporting, and the strategic distribution of media.

Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics speaker series, a venerable platform that convenes Michigan’s foremost business and political leaders to address pressing regional concerns, will mark the first collaboration in the partnership.

Now entering its 19th year, Pancakes & Politics has established itself as a premier forum attracting high-profile attendees and garnering widespread attention for its insightful discussions. Through combined efforts, the aim is to broaden the reach of Pancakes & Politics and other initiatives, ensuring that important conversations are accessible to an ever-expanding audience.

“This collaboration between the Michigan Chronicle and WDIV TV 4 exemplifies the future of local media sustainability,” remarked Hiram E. Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. “By joining forces, we are not only expanding the reach of Pancakes & Politics but also paving the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to news coverage. Our shared objective is to inform, empower, and inspire our communities, and this partnership is instrumental in achieving that goal.”

Bob Ellis, Vice President and General Manager of WDIV, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of making impactful discussions accessible to all.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Michigan Chronicle in amplifying the reach of the Pancakes & Politics speaker series,” said Ellis. “Through our collaboration, we are dedicated to ensuring that these critical conversations resonate with a wider audience, contributing to a more informed and engaged community.”

As the media landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this underscore the vital role of collaboration in sustaining local journalism and enriching community dialogue.

Kicking off the 19th season of Pancakes & Politics, Rocket Companies Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert will headline the first of four monthly in-person events starting Thursday, March 21, and setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking conversations over breakfast.

This year, Pancakes & Politics will take on a new flavor, but will still carry on a tradition of engaging, informative, and entertaining conversations, as the venue shifts from the Detroit Athletic Club to the new 16th-floor event space at the Rocket headquarters at One Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit at 7:30 a.m. The move comes as the DAC embarks on a series of extensive renovations. The new location reflects the series’ commitment to innovation and community engagement, providing attendees with a unique backdrop to connect, collaborate, and converse about issues that matter to Detroiters, and the city’s civic and business leaders.

Jackson added: “Pancakes and Politics is just the starting point of what will be a really dynamic partnership between our organizations. Real Times Media and WDIV-TV 4 are both committed to bringing impactful coverage to the people who trust us with informing them about important issues.”