WORCESTER, Mass. (Apr. 29, 2026) – Reinforcing its commitment to statewide journalism and deep community engagement, GBH News today announced the relocation of its Worcester Bureau to the Worcester Public Library. This strategic move keeps GBH News at the heart of one of the city’s most vital civic hubs, further advancing the Connecting the Commonwealth initiative to provide trusted, local news to residents across Massachusetts.
The bureau serves as a home base for GBH News Worcester reporter Sam Turken, who has spent years covering the stories that define the region. By moving into the Main Library at Salem Square, GBH News will not only continue its rigorous reporting on the city’s economic and cultural evolution but will also host community events and public forums in partnership with the Worcester Public Library.
“Being embedded in the Worcester Public Library allows us to be exactly where the community gathers,” said Dan Lothian, Editor-in-Chief of GBH News and The World. “Our Connecting the Commonwealth initiative is built on the idea that local stories have statewide impact, from Springfield to Provincetown. By strengthening our presence in Worcester, we are ensuring that the voices of Central Massachusetts are central to the conversation.”
The partnership with the Worcester Public Library represents a shared mission of information accessibility and civic literacy. The bureau will serve as a focal point for digital-first storytelling and radio features for GBH News, while the shared space will facilitate direct dialogue between journalists and the public.
“Journalism and libraries are two sides of the same coin, both exist to serve their communities by ensuring access to reliable information from trusted sources,” said Jason Homer, executive director of the Worcester Public Library. “Welcoming GBH News into our space strengthens that shared mission, creating new opportunities for connection, conversation, and civic engagement. Together, we are helping to ensure that the people of Worcester have access not only to information, but to the context and understanding needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.”
“Worcester is a city of incredible grit and diversity, and there is no shortage of important stories to tell here,” said reporter Sam Turken. “Moving into the library puts me in a position to listen even more closely to the residents. I’m excited to continue reporting on the issues that matter most, from housing and education to the local economy, right at the center of the city.”
This move is the latest step in GBH News’ Connecting the Commonwealth strategy, a statewide collaboration between GBH News, New England Public Media (NEPM) in Springfield, and CAI on the Cape and Islands. Led by Statewide and Features Editor Jennifer Moore, the initiative aims to bridge the geographic gaps in Massachusetts journalism.
GBH News and the Worcester Public Library will host an event in the coming months to welcome the community into the space and invite members of the public to share what they think GBH News should cover in the city. Information will be available at gbh.org/events.
About GBH
GBH is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture and journalism. GBH is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and ARTHUR and Molly of Denali and a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. GBH’s television channels include GBH 2, GBH 44, GBH Kids and national services GBH WORLD and Create. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Boston’s Local NPR; CRB Classical 99.5; CAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station, and as a partner to NEPM in Springfield. Dedicated to making media accessible to and representative of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to audience members who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. With PBS LearningMedia, GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide. GBH’s local programming includes Boston Public Radio, GBH News Rooted, Stories from the Stage, The Culture Show, The Curiosity Desk, and High School Quiz Show. GBH has been recognized with hundreds of the nation’s premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards. Find more information at gbh.org.
About Worcester Public Library
The Worcester Public Library (WPL) is a vibrant, inclusive resource serving the residents of Worcester and beyond. The Main Library is located in Downtown Worcester, complemented by six branch locations across the city and two mobile libraries that bring services directly into neighborhoods. As the heart of the community, WPL strives to nurture lifelong learning, cultivate knowledge, and champion intellectual freedom. Through innovative programs, accessible resources, and community-centered services, the Library aims to broaden perspectives, challenge norms, and empower people to reach their fullest potential.
