Since launching in Wichita in 2021, The Beacon has been committed to delivering trustworthy, community-centered news that highlights key local issues. We’ve continuously adapted and innovated while working closely with all of you to ensure our reporting makes a meaningful impact.
Our vision hasn’t changed. We’re thinking beyond our newsroom and want to help foster a thriving local news ecosystem. However, we’ve realized that we can’t do it all, and have made the decision to no longer have a staffed newsroom in Wichita. The conditions of local news are changing rapidly, and right now local Wichita outlets have the unique opportunity to strengthen their leadership and deepen their connection with the community. We’re committed to doing the same in Kansas City, while fostering collaboration and providing support to our local news partners.
While this shift changes how we operate in Wichita, here’s how we plan to continue supporting the community:
- Preserving Our Journalism : Efforts will be made to ensure the archives of our Wichita coverage are preserved, with plans to transition them to a local Wichita-based outlet, keeping the stories accessible to the community.
- Statehouse and Statewide Coverage : In-depth reporting from the Kansas Statehouse will continue, ensuring residents across Kansas remain informed on critical statewide issues that affect their lives.
- Fostering Local Media Innovation : Through continued participation in initiatives like Wichita Documenters , we will help nurture innovation and growth in the local media landscape, empowering community-driven news and civic engagement.
- Sharing Knowledge and Advocating for Local Support : We are committed to sharing the lessons learned from our work and advocating for increased funding and resources to bolster the local news ecosystem in Wichita.