Fireside Chat – Bias and accountability in the News
The Truth Behind the Stories Accuracy, Bias and Accountability in the News
| Guest Presenters: Melissa Ebsch, Gracelyn Giese and Dan Kitkowski Date: Monday, September 14th, 2026Time: 10:15–11:15 a.m. CST Location: Spies Public Library, 940 1st Street, Menominee, Michigan |
| The Menominee County Democratic Party will host its next Fireside Chat, titled “The Truth Behind the Stories — Accuracy, Bias, and Accountability in the News,” will feature a panel discussion with three local journalists who will share how their news organizations work to ensure factual, responsible reporting. The discussion will invite community members to look beyond headlines and betterunderstand the editorial processes behind local news. Panelists will explain how stories are researched, checked, edited, and presented to readers and listeners, while also addressing questions about accuracy, bias, accountability, and public trust. Gracelyn Giese, editor of the Peshtigo Times, began her journalism career whileattending St. Norbert College, where she served as editor in chief of the St. NorbertTimes and began an internship with the Green Bay Press Times. She continued withthe company as a contributing writer for the Peshtigo Times before graduating inDecember 2024 and moving into the editor role. Giese received the 2025 ReverendIsadore Gosz Award in Media and is a Wisconsin NewsMedia Association awardrecipient. Melissa Ebsch, news director for the Radio Results Network, will also take part in thepanel. Ebsch has served as digital manager for Bay Cities Multi-Media and as director of tourism and marketing for the City of Marinette, bringing experience in both news communication and community outreach. Dan Kitkowski, editor of the Marinette-Menominee Eagle-Herald, brings more than 40 years of journalism experience to the conversation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. During the Fireside Chat, the speakers will offer their perspective on what makesreporting accurate, how journalists evaluate sources, and what steps local newsrooms take to earn and maintain the public’s trust. Audience members will have an opportunity to listen, learn, and ask questions in a respectful community setting. |
| We will live stream this on our Facebook Page. A link to the recording will be posted afterward on the Menominee County Democratic Party website: https://menomineedems.com/news/ |
| Also, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel and watch it there also. https://www.youtube.com/@MCDPComms |
