The Beacon | Wichita welcomed Maria Carter as its new editor and lead reporter this spring. Before joining The Beacon, Maria acted as managing editor at 90.5 WESA and editor of Harvest Public Media at KCUR, where she researched and shaped important daily stories for regional audiences. She’s received regional and national recognition for her […]
Behind the Beacon
Why diverse and community voices matter
Why would anyone want to take on an additional role of being a community journalism lab representative outside their day job? I spoke with one of our newer reps on why he decided to join and why the work our journalism lab does is important to our reporting efforts. “As a visionary creative I aim […]
The Community Journalism Lab is coming to a coffee shop near you
I get it…talking to the news can be a scary experience, especially when you don’t know what they will ask, how they will use your words, or if they even have your best interest. If you’ve been a supporter of us you know that’s not how we operate. If you aren’t and you’re new here, […]
Community engagement hits home
You are a single mother working double shifts, leaving your child at daycare from 5AM-6PM wondering how to get food on the table and pay your mortgage all while making sure your child is remaining bliss to it all. You have questions about your child’s education, their health, and government assistance. You wonder if there’s […]
The Beacon wins 6 Kansas Press Association awards
The Beacon won six Kansas Press Association awards for its work in 2023 covering Wichita and the state, including first place for feature story and for a story originating from a public notice. Polly Basore Wenzl’s First place feature story profiling Desmond Bryant-White, Defying a “gang list” label to find his voice and lend it […]
The Beacon announces Scott Canon as first editor-in-chief, amplifying nonprofit journalism in Kansas and Missouri
The Beacon, an independent, nonprofit news network with newsrooms in Kansas City and Wichita, announces the appointment of Scott Canon as its first editor-in-chief. With his extensive experience in local journalism and a proven track record in growing news networks, Scott is poised to lead The Beacon’s editorial direction and advance its mission of developing […]
Investing in local news to bridge divides, empower citizens and create lasting change in Kansas City
Strong, reliable, independent journalism is the backbone of a healthy democracy, providing essential oversight and keeping citizens informed – and here in Kansas City, we desperately need it.