Panel Examines Press Freedom and Local News
Three Kansas journalists discussed AI, lawsuits and the decline of community newspapers
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Three Kansas journalists discussed the state of press freedom, local news deserts and the role of artificial intelligence in reporting at a Law Day forum held Tuesday at McPherson College's Mingenback Theatre. The "Write to Know: Law and a Free Press" panel featured Clay Wirestone, opinion editor at the Kansas Reflector; Greg Loving, co-founder of Citizen Journal; and Kaycee Carter, editor of The Spectator, McPherson College's student newspaper now in its 110th volume. Julia Kuttler, associate professor of communication at McPherson College, moderated the discussion.
Panelists pointed to the erosion of local journalism as a central concern, noting that more than 3,500 newspapers have closed nationally over the past two decades. Wirestone said public trust in journalism has fallen in part because many communities no longer see reporters at work, while Loving cited the decline of the McPherson Sentinel as an example of a once-thriving local paper that has shrunk dramatically. Both said rebuilding trust requires more journalists doing journalism in the communities they cover.
The discussion turned to artificial intelligence and legal pressure on news organizations. Loving said AI offers smaller newsrooms a way to expand coverage of civic meetings and local events, while Wirestone urged caution and emphasized human oversight to ensure accuracy. Wirestone said wealthy individuals have increasingly used costly lawsuits to pressure news outlets, citing Elon Musk's litigation against Media Matters and a recent CBS News settlement with President Donald Trump as examples of a chilling effect on reporting.
Carter said student journalism plays a growing role as community papers shrink, describing how The Spectator covers campus issues ranging from cafeteria conditions to Supreme Court history. When asked how the public can support a free press, all three panelists urged audience members to subscribe to local newsletters, read local coverage and pick up local print newspapers when available.
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