Up To Date

A Kansas City Alt-Weekly Celebrates 40 Years

By Brian Ellison,

Published July 7, 2020 at 3:44 PM CDT

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A media staple in Kansas City since 1980, the weekly alternative The Pitch has lost most of its revenue streams to the coronavirus. However, it turning to an unusual income source involving local artists.

The Kansas City media landscape is ever-changing but, since 1980, The Pitch has persisted.

From the red boxes that once delivered tabloids to its cheeky email newsletter, the alt-weekly has offered up a unique voice even as the economy of journalism has undergone seismic shifts.

Brock Wilbur, editor-in-chief of The Pitch

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Brian Ellison

As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.

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Grace Cole

Grace Cole is an intern for KCUR's Up To Date.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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