City Cast Empowers Its Future with Andi McDaniel as New CEO

City Cast, a rising local media network that bridges communities with the love of their cities, has officially appointed Andi McDaniel as its new Chief Executive Officer. This significant transition comes as co-founder David Plotz steps down after six transformative years, during which City Cast grew from a humble two-person operation to a thriving network spanning 13 cities with a dedicated audience of 1.5 million listeners and readers.

Founded in 2020, City Cast arose from a shared belief among its founders that while people are increasingly interconnected, they often feel detached from their localities. As traditional local newspapers and community ties diminish, City Cast aims to serve as a vital connector—a daily conversation highlighting local happenings and their importance. Under new leadership, the goal is to expand audiences, enhance revenue streams, and embrace innovative platforms to keep the spirit of local media alive.

Andi McDaniel, who has been pivotal to City Cast's vision since its inception, takes the reins as CEO. Previously, she held the role of Chief Creative Officer and briefly served as interim CEO, playing an integral part in shaping the network's editorial tone, brand, and overall strategy. McDaniel's extensive background includes serving as Chief Content Officer at WAMU, where she cultivated a diverse audience and expanded the listenership through various programming, including the successful launch of the national daily program, 1A.

Reflecting on her new role, McDaniel expressed her excitement and commitment. "People are still interested in what happens in their communities. They just want it delivered in a way that fits their lives,” she stated. Her leadership comes at a time when local media faces unprecedented challenges, yet McDaniel feels that City Cast has the potential to redefine how younger demographics consume local news. The key lies in delivering compelling content on the platforms where these audiences naturally spend their time.

Tim O'Shaughnessy, the president and CEO of Graham Holdings Company, City Cast's parent organization, endorsed McDaniel’s capability to guide the network in its next chapter. He praised her understanding of local community needs and her adeptness in leading editorial organizations. O'Shaughnessy emphasized that McDaniel embodies the perfect leadership qualities to navigate City Cast into a new era while establishing successful business models alongside its expansive local reach.

As City Cast looks forward, it aims to continue growing its presence not only in audio podcasts but also through vibrant video content across popular social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Additionally, the network has ventured into live events and a paid membership program, Neighbors, enhancing engagement with their audience.

With a local newsroom already established for its Washington D.C. outlet, City Cast’s ambition is to foster a sense of belonging for residents. The expansion of resources and talents serves to enrich local content, further solidifying City Cast's role in the local media landscape.

From its inception, the narrative has always been about connection. David Plotz, the outgoing CEO, remarked, “Building City Cast has been the proudest achievement of my career.” His vision to create a joyful and inclusive culture has laid the groundwork that McDaniel will now build upon.

In summary, the appointment of Andi McDaniel as CEO signifies City Cast's dedication to shaping the future of local media and fostering community engagement. With innovative strategies and a commitment to addressing the needs of modern audiences, City Cast is poised to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape of local journalism.

City Cast operates in a variety of cities, including Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Washington D.C., engaging residents through relevant local news and conversations that inform and inspire. As the media landscape continues to transform, City Cast stands out as a beacon of community connection and engagement, redefining local media for today's world.