The James B. McClatchy Foundation’s Democracy Fund awarded a $20,000 grant to The Maddy Institute to support “The Maddy Report,” the institute’s weekly television program that explores how state and federal policies shape the San Joaquin Valley and California. This funding will strengthen the show’s long-standing role as a trusted platform for thoughtful, balanced discussions on key issues affecting communities across the Valley.
“We are deeply grateful to the James B. McClatchy Foundation and their Board of Directors for their generous support,” said Blake Zante, executive director of The Maddy Institute. “This grant allows us to continue providing a platform where leaders and experts can engage in meaningful dialogue about the issues that matter most to our region.”
Hosted by Zante, each episode of “The Maddy Report” features conversations with policymakers, government officials and policy experts from various fields. The program also provides valuable hands-on experience for Fresno State students, who support the production of the show through the university’s Media, Communications and Journalism multimedia production service.
“This grant to The Maddy Institute reflects our commitment to ensuring Central Valley communities have access to credible, reliable civic news. We are proud to support The Maddy Report in strengthening the program’s production capacity and expanding the reach of policy literacy,” said Priscilla Enriquez, chief executive officer of the James B. McClatchy Foundation. “At a time when local journalism is vital to democracy, this investment helps build the pathways for building civil dialogue among decisionmakers who shape the region’s civic future.”
Since first airing in 2006, “The Maddy Report” has been dedicated to promoting public understanding of policy issues shaping the San Joaquin Valley and increasing civic engagement. Episodes air every Sunday at 10 a.m. on ABC30 and are also available on The Maddy Institute’s YouTube channel, providing broad access to the in-depth discussions.
With this grant, The Maddy Institute will continue to expand the program’s reach and deepen its role as a nonpartisan resource for thoughtful analysis in the region.
