The Kiowa County Independent is teaming up with the Eads High School Marketing class to add fresh energy and student perspective to local news, events, and sports coverage across the region.
Beginning this fall, students will produce short videos, interviews, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes features for the Independent’s new TikTok channel, KCINews, with select content also shared on Facebook and in print. The goal is simple: meet people where they are—whether scrolling to kill time or learn something new or reading the paper at the kitchen table over a morning cup of coffee.
"Local journalism only works when it reflects the whole community," said Editor in Chief Raina Lucero. "These students understand what their peers are watching and talking about. We’re excited to welcome them into the newsroom, teach real reporting skills, and learn from them too."
Across rural America, small communities are working hard to keep reliable local news strong. Youth creators can help close gaps by covering student life, school activities, and the day-to-day moments that matter to families. This partnership offers hands-on experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital production while strengthening the hometown pipeline of future journalists, marketers, and community leaders.
A Message from the Eads High School Marketing Class
"Our goal is to learn social media marketing through real-world practice rather than only from textbooks or online programs. We want to gain firsthand experience in what it takes to create successful social media ads and posts by working directly with the Independent.
"By collaborating, we plan to cover community events, highlight school activities, support local businesses, and promote sports in our area. This approach will allow us to gain valuable skills such as content creation, audience engagement, analytics, and ad strategy, while also helping promote the people and organizations in our community. We believe this partnership with the Independent will be a better way of learning because it combines education with real-world impact."
What to Expect
Student-led coverage of school events, sports, performances, and community happenings.
Short-form videos and photo stories on TikTok: KCINews, with cross-posts on the Independent’s Facebook page.
Mentorship from the Independent’s editors and reporters on interviewing, accuracy, ethics, captions, and analytics.
Print features that bring the best student work to the newspaper for readers who prefer ink on paper.
"We’re proud to work alongside the next generation of creators," Lucero added. "They’re ready to tell the stories of their neighbors, classmates, and hometown. Our job is to open the door and help them do it well."