New York City has never been short on stories. Every block holds one. Every neighborhood carries its own rhythm, its own voice. Yet in a city of millions, many of those stories pass quietly, unnoticed by the larger media landscape. The Big Apple Gazette was created to change that.
Founded in 2024 and formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit journalism organization in January 2025, the publication set out with a simple but ambitious purpose. It would report from the ground level of New York City and give a platform to the people and communities who shape the life of the city every day.
The publication focuses on reporting across all five boroughs while connecting communities, businesses, and local voices through journalism that informs, engages, and brings attention to stories that deserve to be heard.
Behind the publication is its founder and editor in chief, Gonzalo Duran.
A Bronx native, Duran is a former United States Marine Corps sergeant who later became known in the borough as a veteran advocate, nonprofit executive, and local political figure. Journalism was never part of a planned career path. It emerged slowly, almost by accident, after he returned home from military service and began rebuilding his life.
Writing became both a release and a way forward.
Duran began publishing blogs and newsletters while submitting articles to local outlets. One of his early roles was with the Bronx Chronicle, where he served as a veteran columnist. His work centered on stories about former service members across New York City, highlighting their achievements, struggles, and the communities they continued to serve long after leaving the military.
As the years passed his reporting expanded. He wrote for multiple publications before eventually joining the Bronx Daily as a senior reporter.
The focus of his coverage began to change. While veteran issues remained central, his work gradually expanded into political reporting, citywide events, and community affairs. The shift brought him closer to the public conversations shaping the city.
Then came a moment that almost never happened.
One afternoon Duran received a phone call from the office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams requesting an interview. At first, he assumed it was a prank and dismissed it. Only after his editor encouraged him to return the call did he realize the opportunity was genuine.
The interview would prove to be an important moment in his development as a journalist.
Around the same time, Duran began meeting collaborators who shared his enthusiasm for storytelling and independent journalism. Each brought a different skill set that would eventually become essential to building something larger.
James Washington-Ward contributed photography and spiritual guidance as both a photographer and chaplain. Elianni Tejada added photography and writing. Tyreek Goodman brought multimedia production and digital storytelling expertise. Zenobia Merced-Bonilla contributed experience in media marketing. Alfredo Castillo provided the technical knowledge needed to build and maintain the digital infrastructure behind the publication.
Together they began shaping what would become The Big Apple Gazette.
On May 27, 2024, the birthday of Duran’s nephew Antonio, the group gathered and formally began building the publication.
What started as a shared vision among collaborators soon grew into a newsroom dedicated to community reporting. The Gazette now operates with official New York City press credentials and covers stories across the five boroughs.
The publication also produces two long running talk shows. Vet Talk and Political Chit Chat are both hosted by Duran and explore issues affecting veterans, local politics, and community life. Gary Lutz now serves as executive producer for the programs.
For Duran, the path still feels unexpected.
“I never thought I would be the host of a talk show for more than ten years, or a writer, and now the editor of a newspaper,” he said. “I don’t know where this will take me, but I’m grateful for the opportunity and I will do it to the best of my abilities.”
In fact, the role of editor in chief came only recently. Duran had been comfortable serving as the Gazette’s senior reporter and focusing on the work itself. Members of the team encouraged him to step into a leadership role and guide the publication’s direction. After some consideration, he accepted.
The Gazette continues to publish a wide range of stories reflecting the diversity of New York City.
One recent example is the story of Star Miles, a teenager who interned with the Gazette and used the opportunity to advocate for youth employment and mental health. During her internship, Miles helped organize community events, appeared as a guest on the publication’s talk show, and later hosted her own event. Her experience and message were featured in a profile published by the Gazette that explored how young people can turn personal challenges into creative strength.
Stories like that illustrate the larger purpose behind the publication.
The Big Apple Gazette regularly accepts original submissions and feature stories from contributors across New York City. Volunteers and interns assist behind the scenes while learning the craft of journalism and community storytelling.
As the publication enters its second year, the team behind the Gazette continues to expand its reach while staying grounded in its original mission.
In a city as large and complex as New York, there will always be stories waiting to be told.
The Big Apple Gazette was created to make sure more of those voices are heard.
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