Local News at a Crossroads

Join the Kansas City Media Collective for a Town Hall exploring the future of local journalism. As newsroom budgets shrink, the government chips away at press freedoms, and misinformation spreads on social media, local journalists remain on the front lines: informing communities, holding power to account, and telling important stories.

We’re bringing together Kansas City journalists, editors, and media innovators to unpack the forces reshaping the media landscape. From the rise of influencer journalism and AI-generated content to the collapse of traditional funding models, we’ll explore how these trends are transforming how news is created, consumed, and trusted.

Meanwhile, the financial crisis in journalism has led to widespread layoffs, shuttered newsrooms, and a growing void in local coverage, especially in rural communities. All this is happening as the federal government erases funding for public media, one of the few lifelines of local journalism in rural areas and imposes pressure on newspapers and networks that engage in investigative journalism or publish critical coverage. As journalists face increasing censorship, disinformation campaigns, and even physical threats, the very foundation of a free press is under pressure.

This conversation will ask: How can local journalism remain relevant, resilient, and rooted in public service in a rapidly changing world? And what role can our community play in protecting it?

The event is free, but registration is required. Free on-site parking is available in the front and back parking lots, with overflow parking available in the lots on the opposite side of 31st Street.

Host or Publisher Kansas City PBS