Journalism and Civic Engagement: Is There a Connection and Should There Be?

In a world where “fake news” seems to be a permanent part of our lexicon and where individuals don’t always agree on facts, what role should the media play in civic engagement? Does the fourth estate have a duty in our system of checks and balances? In this conversation with two accomplished journalists, we’ll consider how storytelling, fact-checking, and mass media are changing, and whether reporting the news and reporters on newsmakers should be connected to civic engagement. 

John Holt anchors Fox 4 News at 5, 6, and 9 p.m. at Fox 4 Kansas City. He also hosts the weekly public affairs show “4 The People,” co-hosts “KC Endzone” during the Chiefs’ season, and is a special projects reporter. John graduated from the University of Kansas Schools of Journalism and Law.

Mary Sanchez is a national syndicated columnist with Tribune Content Agency and a familiar face and voice in Kansas City media. Sanchez’s contributions include time as the senior reporter for Kansas City PBS and a metro columnist for The Kansas City Star, member of the Star’s editorial board, in addition to her years spent reporting on race, class, criminal justice and educational issues. She’s a frequent moderator for important civic conversations hosted by American Public Square, also serving on the organization’s board. APS seeks to build community through civil, fact-based discourse. Sanchez is a mentor with Report for America, pairing with early career journalists as they enter the profession and has written columns for the Poynter Institute, helping others to report deeper and with nuance on issues of race, ethnicity, immigration, and culture wars, especially within politics. Sanchez is a native of Kansas City and has also lived in Mexico, the country of her father’s birth.