Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: What's The Future Of Local News Coverage?

WMUK

Intercom, an association made up of communication professionals in Kalamazoo, is hosting an event on Thursday called Breaking the News. 

The panel discussion with WMUK News Director Andy Robins and others will explore the future of local news coverage. Intercom Board President Gretchen Johnson and Columbia Journalism Review Midwest Correspondent Anna Clark, who will moderate Thursday’s discussion at Western Michigan University’s Fetzer Center, joined WMUK’s Gordon Evans.

Johnson says the changes in the media landscape have been happening over a long-period, but have accelerated in recent years. She says that’s been a topic of discussion among communication professionals, but needs a “broader audience.” 

intercom050516-web.mp3
Interview with Gretchen Johnson and Anna Clark - web version

Clark says the recent Flint Water crisis shows the need for quality local news coverage. She says the question is how the business model can work for media outlets that are seeking to inform the public. Clark says the public radio model of seeking contributions from listeners may be a method that other news organizations could pursue.

Johnson says journalists at the local level are “absolutely essential to a community’s future, to our growth and vitality.” Clark says this is a moment of “great change.” She says while that is hard, there is “a lot of wonderful journalism happening in exciting new models.”

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
Related Content