58 Years of Excellence in Independent Journalism.
Since its beginning in 1964, readers have looked to NCR as a credible independent voice in Catholic journalism. NCR is accountable to an accomplished lay board of directors rather than a bishop or head of a religious order. Initially, NCR’s audience was mostly national. NCR has now developed a global online audience, with readers in virtually every country on the planet.
Because of its independent status, NCR goes where other Catholic news sources cannot. In its early days, NCR reported on the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, including the secret findings and the dissenting opinions of Pope John XXIII’s/Pope Paul VI’s commission on birth control. We were the first, and for many years the only, publication to report the clergy sex abuse crisis and episcopal cover-up. We were the first Catholic publication to report extensively on the environment.
Throughout its history, NCR has been a voice for the marginalized, including women, LGBTQ communities, refugees and immigrants.
Learn more about our company mission, vision and values.
Who We Are
NCR staff members work at our headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri and all over the world. Our dedicated Board of Directors serve our organization from across the country. Learn about current job opportunities, including the Bertelsen Editorial Internship Program.
Financials
The National Catholic Reporter is a reader-supported nonprofit organization. We are a 501(C)3 organization, and our tax exempt number is 43-0815211. Make a donation to NCR or view our Form 990 or Form 990-T. We rely on support from our 5,000 members and more than 5,000 donors to fund our journalism. We list the names of our donors in print each year, most recently in the Sept. 3-16 2021 issue (a digital replica of which is posted here). You'll find the listing of donors following Page 10 of that issue. We published our 2021 Impact Report in February 2022. It is posted here and lists the names of members.
Our Statement of Editorial Independence
The National Catholic Reporter is an independent, lay-led news organization. You can read our Statement of Editorial Independence here.
Our Conflict of Interest Policy
You can download and view the policy here.
Our Reach
NCRonline is one of the most read Catholic news sites. NCRonline.org reaches about 1 million unique visitors each month. Our website readers come from every country in the world. As part of our mission, we offer our content online at no cost.
More than 80,000 readers receive NCR's email newsletters.
Facebook: More than 280,000 followers
Twitter: More than 53,000 followers
Instagram: More than 7,200 followers
TikTok: More than 900 followers
Newspaper
Our award-winning, biweekly newspaper delivers to subscribers in the U.S. and 59 countries around the world.
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Accolades and Awards
“The National Catholic Reporter is a global powerhouse...”
– TIME
“A Kansas City-based newspaper known for unflinching coverage of the Catholic church scandal...”
– Associated Press
“a brave little newspaper...”
– The New York Times
“the country’s go-to source for all things Catholic...”
– The Washington Post
Named 2019 Best National Newspaper by the Catholic Press Association
Additional First Place awards from Catholic Press Association:
- Best in-depth news/special reporting
- Best news writing on a national or international event
- Best investigative news writing
From Our Readers
“I greatly appreciate NCR’s courageous and honest reporting which is so needed in our church and society today.”
– Sr. Audrey Doetzel
“This is a challenging, exciting time and NCR’s mission is more essential than ever.”
– John Bennett
Visit our affiliated publications:
EarthBeat is an initiative created in response to what Pope Francis has called the “climate emergency.” EarthBeat reports on the works of individuals, parishes, dioceses and other organizations, with an aim to educate and galvanize audiences to action in their homes and communities.
Global Sisters Report is a source of news and information about Catholic sisters and the critical issues facing the people they serve. GSR’s launch in 2014 was made possible by a $2.4 million grant (renewed in 2016 and 2019) from the Conrad Hilton Foundation.