About Us

The Legislative Gazette is a nonpartisan news organization with a mission of keeping New Yorkers informed about the politics, policy, and people of New York State government. The newspaper is published as an educational project under the auspices of the Digital Media and Journalism Department at the State University of New York, College at New Paltz.

*Gazette reporters with Governor Mario Cuomo*

Brief History – Since the first edition was published in 1978, The Gazette has provided in-depth coverage of state government as a public service to the people of New York. The Gazette transitioned from traditional weekly newsprint to a robust digital presence in 2015. Since then, we have reinvented our program by giving our students the tools necessary to excel in modern journalism. And while the tools for reporting and publishing continue to change, the Gazette’s commitment to on-the-ground reporting, quality writing, and objective coverage of state news has remained at the center of our educational mission and focus.

*Gazette interns Nancy Mac Innes and Benjamin Nellis and Director Darren Johnson pictured with WAMC host, David Gustina*

What We Do – Our student journalists are trained to report the news objectively and fairly and to provide a forum for our readers, elected officials, issue advocates, and all concerned citizens to make their voices heard on the legislation that affects all New Yorkers.

Our Goals – Dedicated students and staff look forward to revitalizing the Gazette and growing it’s reporting on a state-wide scale. We hope to bring the Legislative Gazette back to print as well as expanding our presence across digital platforms and multi-media. With the contributions of student journalists across New York State we are excited to bring its past reputation into a reinvigorated future.

Publishing & Editing – Dr. Alan Chartock, President and CEO of WAMC from 1981 until his retirement in 2023, founded the Legislative Gazette in 1978. James Gormely a former Gazette intern and SUNY New Paltz Professor, was named editor and associate publisher in 2006, holding the position until his retirement in 2025. As of September 1, 2025 the Gazette’s project director and editor-in-chief is Darren Johnson.