Kansas City pubcasters KCUR-FM and KCPT-TV announced Thursday that they will embark on a plan for their journalists to collaborate, starting with a focus on covering health and agriculture.
The pubcasters described the agreement as a collaboration rather than a merger. It will pool resources to deliver stronger reporting.
“Both organizations have similar missions focused on public service and both have similar audiences of people who are active and engaged in the community,” KCPT CEO Kliff Kuehl said in a statement. “KCPT and KCUR have unique assets that are additive, rather than competitive, and therefore work together exceedingly well.”
The collaboration is expected to start this spring. The regional collaboration will also include the Topeka-based Kansas Health Institute News Service.
Last July, KCPT received a “transformational gift” from an anonymous donor to create a digital news center.
Great news for KC!