WXXI has announced it's intent to acquire CITY Newspaper. That includes the local news and cultural publication's digital platforms.

Both sides said that while WXXI will remain a non-profit organization, CITY Newspaper will operate under a "for-profit" subsidiary of the station.

The goal, according to leaders, is to grow local in-depth reporting.

Station management says this is a rare partnership for public broadcasting, adding that Rochester's size plays a role.

"Big cities and other places, there's more alternatives to keep things going," said Susan Rogers, WXXI GM, Executive Vice President. "We're leaner in Rochester. We're not a big city and yet we have big aspirations and we have a lot of things going on. And more and more, local journalism is what we need. We cannot take the spotlight off what's going on in the community."

City co-publishers and founders Bill and Mary Anna Towler released a statement on their website saying in part: "We are excited about this new phase in CITY's life, which will continue the work that we and a series of talented Rochesterians have been doing for nearly 50 years."