Kansas City Star Eyeing Nonprofit Status

Here's what more and more people are learning . . .

There's far less money in the local news game.

Over the course of the past couple of years we've seen the online begging donation-based model take hold amongst journalists throughout the metro. 

Credit where it's due . . .

The Kansas City Media Collective pioneered this brand of middle-class charity in the name of "journalism" and they've managed to turn a "profit" thanks to dumb-ass viewers like you. The stories are nice, overwritten and basically satisfy their elderly donors who fund the operation along with a few other similar pay-for-play blogs.

At this point . . . We have to resist the urge to get "jelly" about this direction for local journalism. 

Here at TKC we've built a sizable following from some of the absolute worst people around. Self-interested, stingy and often mentally-ill people comprise the ranks of our readership to a much greater degree than any other local news website. 

(Don't worry, you're one of the good ones.)

The trolls here at TKC aren't going to hand over any cash and the only thing we can count on is a vast array of death threats whenever our content veers too far to either side of a pointless partisan debate. 

You guys really are the worst. 

However . . .

Writing for Kansas City's biggest collection of creeps has afforded this blog a great deal freedom. 

Sure, the po-po, a small army of lawyers and other law enforcement pros watch this blog like hawks but that's only because we actually provide useful information & thoughtful commentary that's jam packed with insight and typos. 

And today . . . Yet again . . . We scoop the newspaper regarding their crumbling biz model. 

First, we take a peek at their latest gambit and then we'll provide THE REAL DEAL as to where their motives seem to be leading . . .

"The Star’s community listening project is important. Your feedback is informing how we are shifting our approach to how we share stories and information about how local government affects our lives. Bottom line: We want our reporters to start with what residents think is most important, not what politicians say or do."

First and foremost . . . To quote one of our heroes . . .

Here's an explanation from a trusted newsie insider . . . 

"This 'Listening Project' gimmick is the most pathetic ruse I've ever seen from the Kansas City Star. It's antithetical to everything that real journalists know & love about their profession. Reporters are not waiters or newsboys delivering content . . . The public relies on a journalist to share expertise and relevant, accurate information . . . The last thing the world needs is another focus group. That's REALLY what the 'Listening Project' entails." 

 Don't worry . . . It gets worse . . . The insider explains . . . 

"Look at today's story . . . It's obviously a trick to encourage very gullible people to submit information to either drive subscriptions or (possibly) for something even more sinister . . . An outright ask for cash. Let's face it, the newspaper is desperate and people handing over money in order to feel appreciated is their best bet. I guess it might be cheaper than therapy but that doesn't make it right." 

The takeaway . . .

9/10 Kansas City's newsies agree that the non-profit path is part of the Kansas City Star's future sooner or later. 

Last time we reported something of this magnitude . . . It took about a decade for local newsies to accept our investigation as correct. 

In the meantime . . . The Star is no longer a daily paper and more than half a dozen other local news outlets have emerged in hopes to beg the cash-strapped public for pennies so that 2,500 word political polemics are posted mostly to the mailboxes of like-minded suckers. 

Nevertheless . . . 

We honestly question if anyone will notice the fate of the Kansas City Star as newsprint becomes a relic of the past and the local paper struggles remain relevant.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Star's listening project expands: Tell us what local issues are most important to you

We are expanding The Star's community listening project to include our entire coverage area - that means you Northland and South Jackson County residents. Use the form inside this article to tell us about the local issues affecting your neighborhood.