A very loud and clear message pierced the night air during New York Public Radio’s Annual Gala. A dazzling tribute to voices on the front lines of the First Amendment sang out a battle cry for all to unite and continue the good fight.
Rooted in a loud and proud fundraising message amid this year’s unprecedented defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: “YOU CAN’T DEFUND THE TRUTH,” there was a momentous rally for the success of the valiant campaign.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: Jon Batiste performs onstage during the New York Public Radio Gala at the Glasshouse on November 18, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Hundreds rose to the occasion on Nov. 18 as they gathered in Midtown to celebrate “Stand with Public Media.” New York Public Radio – home of WNYC, WQXR, and Gothamist. The crowd honored modern-day media heroes and visionaries, including Stephen Colbert, host, executive producer, and writer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and producer and arts advocate Evelyn McGee Colbert; David Remnick, Editor of The New Yorker; and Darren Walker, former President of the Ford Foundation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: Ben Platt performs onstage during the New York Public Radio Gala at the Glasshouse on November 18, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
The level of appreciation was high, and it showed when the 600 guests helped collectively raise $1.7 million to support the vital work of WNYC, WQXR, and Gothamist. The crucial moment helped with funds that will continue to provide New Yorkers with trusted local, national, and international news, civic conversation, and cultural and classical music programming. The tireless work for the people by the people will live on despite any burdens that might try to be a blocking obstacle.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: (L-R) Guests Richard Kind and Marc Chamlin attend the New York Public Radio Gala at the Glasshouse on November 18, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
“We are so grateful that New York Public Radio continues its mission of fostering curiosity and joy,” stated Evelyn McGee Colbert as she accepted an award alongside Stephen Colbert. “There are fewer and fewer places where we can all meet outside of work, our home, and for us, New York Public Radio remains that vital third space. It informs us, it entertains us, and it unites us.
As witnessed on the glorious occasion, the army of good people doing the work marches on to the beat of a steady drum. There simply is no stopping the dazzling magic of New York Public Radio.
“Make no mistake, the elimination of federal funding was absolutely meant to bring about an ending: the end of unbiased journalism, without fear or favor—the end of independent voices, who raise a mirror so we can see ourselves more clearly—and the end of mission-driven institutions and individuals who work to protect and advance human dignity,” said NYPR President & CEO and Executive Chair LaFontaine E. Oliver. “But if you’ve been listening to the radio lately, you know what we think about that! You can defund public media…you can cancel the grants, zero out the line-item, shut down the CPB. But you can’t defund the truth!”
The crowd felt the power of the night and was fully inspired by advocates who gave moving speeches and performers who sparkled at the gala, including Richard Kind, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Conrad Tao, and Jon Batiste.
Public officials in the room were Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President-elect, Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President, and Maria Torres-Springer, Former First Deputy Mayor & Co-Chair of Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s transition team.
Journalists in attendance were Lesley Stahl, Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Maria Hinojosa, Ira Flatow, Flora Lichtman, and Juana Summers.
WNYC and WQXR On-Air Hosts present were Brian Lehrer (WNYC), Alison Stewart (WNYC), Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser (WNYC’s Radiolab), Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger (WNYC’s On The Media), John Schaefer (WNYC), Sean Carlson (WNYC), Tiffany Hanssen (WNYC),
Public officials in the room were Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President-elect, Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President, and Maria Torres-Springer, Former First Deputy Mayor & Co-Chair of Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s transition team.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: (L-R) John Rose, Darren Walker, and Mikhail Baryshnikov appear onstage during the New York Public Radio Gala at the Glasshouse on November 18, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
WNYC and WQXR On-Air Hosts present were Brian Lehrer (WNYC), Alison Stewart (WNYC), Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser (WNYC’s Radiolab), Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger (WNYC’s On The Media), John Schaefer (WNYC), Sean Carlson (WNYC), Tiffany Hanssen (WNYC), Michael Hill (WNYC), Janae Pierre (WNYC), Ana Gonzalez (WNYC), Elliott Forrest (WQXR), and Terrance McKnight (WQXR).
Michael Hill (WNYC), Janae Pierre (WNYC), Ana Gonzalez (WNYC), Elliott Forrest (WQXR), and Terrance McKnight (WQXR).
Grammy and Academy Award winner Questlove set his turntables on sizzle style, and he spun late into the evening. Guests danced as the moon shone a spotlight down on the after-party that served up hot dogs from a cart, black and white cookies, and dumplings, along with non-stop flowing champagne. It was a night to celebrate freedom, and this party did it with pride.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: Questlove performs during the New York Public Radio Gala at the Glasshouse on November 18, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative, critically acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand, and live streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio, and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. The WNYC newsroom and Gothamist produce award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey, and the surrounding region. WQXR, the city’s only all-classical radio station, broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all.
WNYC Studios is a premier producer of on-demand and national broadcast audio and home to some of the industry’s most impactful, award-winning podcasts and national radio shows, including Radiolab, On the Media, and The New Yorker Radio Hour, among others. The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space is NYPR’s intimate street-level broadcast studio and live event space. Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
