Who we are
The Beacon is a growing force in Kansas City’s local journalism ecosystem — filling critical news gaps and strengthening community understanding.
We produce accessible journalism on critical local issues. Our reporting covers essential subjects like health, education, local government, labor and housing. We also cover the Kansas Statehouse, the Missouri Statehouse and rural health care across Missouri.
Through our Community Journalism Lab, we amplify overlooked voices and integrate diverse perspectives with listening sessions and events that help guide our reporting.
Sign up for The Beacon’s free newsletters and join a community that values independent, in-depth local news in Kansas and Missouri.
Where we started
The Beacon launched in 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri, during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing a dire need for trustworthy local news. By 2022, we had reporters in both the Missouri and Kansas statehouses, enhancing our statewide coverage. That expansion allows us to support local and rural publishers, greatly increasing the range and depth of information available to the public. Now, we offer our stories for anyone to republish for free.
Our why
In a world overloaded with information, it’s hard to know what to trust, what matters and how you can make a difference.
The Beacon clears the confusion. We focus on major issues impacting our communities, providing in-depth reporting that highlights problems and explores solutions. By following our stories, you’re joining a movement to revive local news and information.
Vision
Communities that are well-informed and actively involved.
Mission
The Beacon cultivates engaged and informed communities through accessible reporting and active community engagement on crucial local subjects, anchored by a sustainable nonprofit revenue model.
Core Values
The Beacon has four core values that guide our journalism and organization.
- Truth: Unwavering honesty and accuracy in all our reporting.
- Inclusivity: Championing diverse voices and perspectives.
- Transparency: Openness about our reporting and funding.
- Equity: Addressing systemic imbalances that affect us locally.
Republish us
The Beacon provides community-driven journalism that other media outlets can republish for free, as part of our mission to help inform as many people as possible.
We deliver high-quality reporting on critical issues affecting Kansas and Missouri, with an emphasis on greater Kansas City. Our award-winning staff covers education, health care, housing and labor, local government, Kansas state news and Missouri state news. Are you a news publisher looking to fill reporting gaps? Learn more about how to republish us here.
Learn more about us:
Get to know the team that makes this all possible.
As a non-profit, our sustainability relies on people like you. Support The Beacon.
Meet our Board of Directors.
Learn more about how The Community Journalism Lab (CJL) is reimagining community journalism.
Peel back the curtain with our Behind the Beacon stories.
Read more about our awards and recognitions.