Jaya Padmanabhan Takes Helm at American Community Media
American Community Media, a nationwide network supporting ethnic and community journalism, has named Jaya Padmanabhan as its new Executive Director beginning February 1, 2026. She succeeds founder Sandy Close, who is stepping back after decades of leadership to serve in an advisory capacity as Director Emeritus. The change represents a generational shift for an organization that has long played a central role in amplifying diverse voices across the United States.
Padmanabhan brings extensive experience in multicultural journalism and digital storytelling. After initially working as a software engineer in Silicon Valley, she transitioned into media, driven by a commitment to community-focused reporting. Her career includes serving as Editor of India Currents, writing for the San Francisco Examiner, and managing projects at the University of Southern California’s Center for Health Care Journalism, where she guided multilingual newsrooms and mentored emerging journalists.
Close has described this leadership transition as timely, noting that ethnic media faces both technological disruption and financial pressure. While digital tools and artificial intelligence are reshaping news production, audiences are increasingly seeking trustworthy, relatable reporting. She emphasized that Padmanabhan’s blend of technical knowledge and editorial experience positions her well to navigate this evolving landscape.
American Community Media works with thousands of ethnic news organizations across all 50 states, facilitating collaboration between journalists, policymakers, and industry experts. The organization hosts conferences, workshops, and training programs while supporting investigative reporting and multilingual content creation.
Sandy Close’s career has had a lasting impact on community journalism. She began reporting in Hong Kong in the 1960s before founding a local Oakland newspaper focused on social justice issues. Later, she led Pacific News Service and helped launch youth-driven media initiatives. In 1996, she created New America Media, which became the largest coalition of ethnic news outlets in the country before closing in 2017.
Her contributions have been widely recognized. In 1995, she received a MacArthur “Genius Award,” using the $0.5 million grant to co-produce an Academy Award-winning documentary. She later earned the George Polk Career Achievement Award and the I.F. Stone Medal for her influence on public-interest journalism.
Throughout her career, Close championed inclusive storytelling and collaboration across cultural lines. As she transitions into her new role, she has reiterated her belief that community media must remain connected, visible, and engaged with broader society. Meanwhile, Padmanabhan is expected to guide American Community Media into its next chapter, balancing innovation with its longstanding mission of elevating underrepresented voices.
