We have more stories to tell in Wichita, and you can help support those efforts
There has been quite a bit of change at The Eagle and Kansas.com over the past few months.
We hired a new business reporter, Matt Kelly, who is already making his mark writing about development in our community.
We also launched a new format for the Sunday print edition, offering subscriber-exclusive deeper looks at a range of issues in our community, from what caused the recent water main break to how Father Emil Kapaun’s remains were identified after seven decades to the safety of water in splash pads to a look back at 50 years of the Sedgwick County Zoo.
For the past couple of weeks we have asked for your feedback on the new Sunday Eagle and other topics and your response has been tremendous. We are reading every comment and I thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
As we undergo these changes we’re also looking ahead.
It’s no secret that newspapers have had a rough several years as readers’ habits have changed. I’m happy to say, however, that The Eagle is bucking the trend. On Sundays we’ve added more pages to our print edition and we’re planning to soon add more reporters.
Another change is that next year we will be hiring more summer interns — not only to help train the next generation of journalists but to increase our coverage of important topics and communities.
One of those interns will be focused on minority communities in and around Wichita. We want to increase the range of voices in our stories and to make our coverage of all Wichitans more robust. If we are to continue to grow as a community, we need to ensure everyone has a place at the table.
There’s a way you can play a role in this important work. We’re looking for community support to help raise the funds for this position. Individuals, organizations and businesses can make a tax-deductible contribution by visiting kansas.com/donate. Contributions will directly pay the salary of this reporter.
If you would rather mail a donation, please make checks payable to “Journalism Funding Partners” or “JFP.” “The Wichita Eagle” must be included in the memo line, and include your email address so we can send you an acknowledgment email. Mail to: McClatchy, 1601 Alhambra Blvd, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95816.
We know that times are tight for many, that there are several groups looking for help and that not everyone can financially contribute. We understand and thank you for turning to us for your news. But if you are able, please consider supporting our work.
Finally, thank you to our subscribers. You are the reason we are able to report on the issues that are most important to our community. The Eagle has been a part of Wichita for 149 years and our continued success is thanks to you.
