AnneMarie Hunter
Is a bigger backyard always a better backyard?

In both Kansas City and Kassel, I have talked with readers and journalists who question the value of news in their corner of the world, believing the grass is greener in a bigger backyard. 

By AnneMarie Hunter

Kassel - Perhaps uninterested or unaware about the remarkable stories in their own communities, they favour global over local.

As a photojournalist, local news is my favorite corner of the world. I continually discover fascinating, thought-provoking people and topics to cover in Kansas City’s communities. As a guest journalist, I’ve learned I share this spirit of passionate curiosity with my colleagues at HNA.
 
On Tuesday, my German colleague, Amira El Ahl and I covered a story about a produce grower in Fuldatal. While I photographed the extensive gardens and greenhouses, Amira interviewed her. As we were leaving, Amira said, “It’s magic here. This is why I love my job. I get to meet people like her and write their stories.”

Though local newspapers, or their number of subscribers, have declined significantly around the world during the past several years, the importance of their service has not. These papers are often the only platform that reports well-researched, credible news for those in rural and suburban areas, small cities or towns.
 
As journalists, we celebrate, share and criticize, while providing information and insight about our communities. I have written numerous articles in Kansas City about animal rescue. Each story finds new readers who were not aware of the severity of the problem in our area and who then choose to become part of the solution.Committed to truth, we expose abuse and corruption. We are also a voice for people who face challenges and those who advocate for them.

During my first week in Kassel, I worked with a fellow journalist on a story about an equine therapy organization serving those with special needs. Just over a year ago, I completed a story on the same topic for the Kansas City Star. Though created continents apart, the articles share much. Both shine a light on the people who provide and participate in this therapy. The stories also give hope to those who might not have been aware of benefits equine therapy can have for a loved one with special needs.

Local news connects a community and its citizens, as it weaves the fabric of our society and builds a legacy for the future. I believe the soul of a community is rooted in these stories.