John Thornton, a visionary venture capitalist who dedicated himself to revitalizing local news, has passed away at the age of 59. Thornton is best known as the founder of The Texas Tribune, a nonpartisan, nonprofit digital news organization that has become a model for similar ventures nationwide.
The Texas Tribune, launched in 2009, quickly gained recognition for its in-depth coverage of Texas politics and policy. Its success demonstrated the viability of a nonprofit model for news, particularly in a time when traditional media outlets were struggling. Thornton's commitment to nonpartisan reporting and data-driven journalism helped establish the Tribune as a trusted source of information for Texans.
Beyond The Texas Tribune, Thornton also founded the American Journalism Project, an organization that provides financial and strategic support to nonprofit news organizations across the United States. The project aims to strengthen local news ecosystems and ensure that communities have access to reliable and comprehensive information.
Thornton's legacy extends beyond his entrepreneurial ventures. He was a passionate advocate for the role of journalism in a healthy democracy and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in public service journalism. His contributions to the field will continue to shape the future of news for years to come.
John Thornton, Texas Tribune Founder, Dies at 59
John Thornton, a venture capitalist and champion of local journalism, has died at 59. He was the founder of The Texas Tribune, a pioneering nonprofit news organization. Thornton also established the American Journalism Project, dedicated to supporting similar grassroots news initiatives across the country. His work has had a lasting impact on the landscape of American news.