KCTV5 Investigates Recognized for Work Advocating for Government Transparency

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A Missouri organization dedicated to government transparency has recognized KCTV’s investigative team.

The Missouri Sunshine Coalition has named Angie Ricono and the station’s investigative team one of its 2024 “Sunshine Heroes.” The honor recognizes individuals and organizations that use the Sunshine Law to bring information to Missourians.

Ricono and the KCTV5 investigative team gained notoriety for their multimedia report titled, “Danger on the Roads: What KCFD Knew Before the Westport Crash.”

The material included audio and video recordings, emails and other documents obtained at the request of Sunshine Law, purporting to depict the events leading up to the fatal crash involving a Kansas City fire truck.

“We are fortunate to have the example of others to follow. Their efforts have helped the public learn more about how city government works, how tragic events can happen and the challenges of solving violent crimes,” said Dennis Ellsworth, executive director of the Missouri Sunshine Coalition.

“It is equally important to remind members of the public that they have a right to know these things and to look after their own interests, to be better informed about how local and state governments operate.”

The Missouri Sunshine Coalition also recognized Dave Roland of Mexico, Missouri, for his work in 2024.

READ ALSO: KCTV5 named Station of the Year by Missouri Broadcasters Association

Roland is a co-founder and Litigation Director of the Freedom Center of Missouri, a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) law firm that advocates for individuals seeking access to public information from public meetings and records.

Another Sunshine 2024 hero is The Maries County Advocate. The paper’s assistant editor, Roxie Murphy; Dave Marner, Murphy’s editor; and Jacob Warden, the paper’s manager, have been reporting on Sunshine Law violations for years. According to the coalition, those reports ultimately led to a settlement between the city of Belle, Mo., and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

St. Louis Public Radio was recognized for the work of legal reporter Rachel Lippmann, as well as Tom Scheck and Jennifer Lu of America Public Media.

According to the coalition, the two news organizations have been battling the St. Louis Metropolitan Police for years over access to data showing homicide detection rates.

Since 2010, only 19 individuals and organizations have received the title of Sunny Heroes.

The Missouri Privacy Act was passed in 1973, but according to The Missouri Sunshine Coalition, its enforcement has declined.

READ ALSO: KCTV5 named Station of the Year by Missouri Broadcasters Association

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