Some good news for a change

Unlike many news organizations that have been dealing with lost revenue and layoffs, National Public Radio has experienced growth within its news operation, adding 50 journalists to its staff and increasing the number of total employees to 400.

This growth is due in large part to the $200 million bequest that came from the estate of Joan Kroc in 2003. Kroc, the widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, also left her local NPR station, KPBS in San Diego, $5 million.

Kroc's longtime consultant Dick Starmann explained the reasons behind the donation: "Mrs. Kroc always had what I call a thirst for the news, she loved the news and she had an unusual interest in what was going on in the United States and around the world."

Thanks to Romenesko for highlighting some good news for news.