© 2025 KAWC, PO Box 929, Yuma, AZ 85366, info@kawc.org, 877-838-5292
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Spirited Discussion: The Power and Future of Local News

Lou Gum with Victor Calderón and their PMJA awards
Lou Gum and Victor Calderón with PMJA awards

Join us for Spirited Discussions: The Power and Future of Local News
In an era of rapid change and national noise, local journalism remains the heartbeat of our community. Join us for a conversation about why local news matters, who's covering our region, and how public media serves the Colorado River communities.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 9 at 5:00 pm

WHERE: River City Grill, 600 W 3rd St, Yuma, AZ 85364

WHAT: This special edition of Spirited Discussions marks News Director Lou Gum's final event with KAWC after 16 years of service. General Manager Dave Riek will welcome guests before Lou moderates a panel featuring KAWC Education Solutions Reporter Sisko Stargazer, KAWC Civic Engagement Reporter Alexandra Rangel, a member of the KAWC Student Newsroom, and Alex Wakefield, Director of Special Projects with the Arizona Media Association. Our panelists will discuss the stories that shape our understanding of Yuma and La Paz Counties, the challenges facing local journalism, and what it takes to cover communities often overlooked by larger news outlets.

The KAWC Education Solutions Reporter is supported by the Arizona Media Foundation.
The KAWC Student Newsroom is supported by the Local News Initiative of Southern Arizona, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, the Scripps Howard Fund, and generous individual local support.

5-5:30 pm Social time with snacks and drinks
5:30-6:45 pm Spirited Discussion Program
6:45-7 pm Continued socializing and discussion

COST: FREE

No need to RSVP—we hope to see you there!

Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE, has served as KAWC's Development Director since January 2006. She has more than thirty years of professional fundraising experience, not including her start as the "human bubble machine" during Lawrence Welk pledge breaks at Wisconsin Public Television in Madison, Wisconsin.
Related Content
  • Hosted by Lou Gum, Arizona Edition, KAWC's news program, is our focus on the issues facing Arizona. Through interviews with local newsmakers, KAWC keeps you informed on issues in the region.
  • Hosted by KAWC Education Solutions Reporter Sisko Stargazer, Educating Yuma is KAWC's deep dive into issues impacting parents, students and schools in Yuma and La Paz Counties.
  • KAWC's The Hot Spot is the 2025 KAWC Student Newsroom's weekly look at news and issues impacting young people in the Yuma community. The program builds on the success of the 2024 KAWC Student Newsroom program The Intern Show, archived below.
  • Hear from first-generation students at Arizona Western College, which serves Yuma and La Paz counties.This podcast is designed for AWC students to share their stories about being first-generation college students and to encourage others to take this path in higher education.If you're a student who would like to share your story, contact info@kawc.org.