Ian Donnis

Political Reporter

Ian Donnis has reported on Rhode Island politics since 1999, when he arrived in the state two weeks before the FBI raided City Hall and Buddy Cianci’s East Side home.

Ian has been the political reporter for The Public’s Radio since 2009. He covers breaking news, develops in-depth features and investigative reports, contributes to RIPBS Weekly, hosts the weekly Political Roundtable with a range of newsmakers, writes a well-read Friday afternoon political newsletter, and maintains a bad social media habit.

Ian was for many years a panelist on Newsmakers, the Sunday morning public affairs show on WPRI-TV, Channel 12, and he’s a regular guest on A Lively Experiment on Rhode Island PBS. His previous experience includes serving as news editor of The Providence Phoenix and as a reporter for The Associated Press and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Outside of work, Ian enjoys baseball, good food, and exploring Rhode Island.

idonnis@ripr.org

Recently published
Hoffmann is among at least a trio of Democrats vying in the September 2026 primary
The longtime North Kingstown lawmaker and House Judiciary chair enters a Democratic primary already featuring state Rep. Jason Knight and former AG policy director Keith Hoffmann, with others eyeing a run to succeed term-limited Peter Neronha
NABET-CWA says Sinclair’s consolidation of news operations is cutting jobs, reducing local coverage, and limiting Rhode Islanders’ access to independent reporting
Ocean State Labs, opening next year in Providence’s I-195 District, will bring together researchers, investors, and startups focused on cancer treatments, gene therapy, tissue regeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease
The Rhode Island political figure and author talks with Ian Donnis about election integrity, political violence, and the future of American democracy