Bob Kirkpatrick steps in as editor of Cheney Free Press

CHENEY – Veteran journalist Bob Kirkpatrick has joined the Cheney Free Press to reinvigorate the newsroom and help bring a new look to the newspapers.

Kirkpatrick came to the media industry later in his life. It had always been a passion of his. But he couldn't pursue it until his kids were grown and out of the house.

"Growing up in the '60s, I developed a watchdog mentality of what's happening around me and felt there was a need for accountability," Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick obtained his bachelor's degree in journalism from Central Washington University in 2005. He is an award-winning journalist and photographer and has held the positions of editor and reporter/photographer at several weekly and daily newspapers on both sides of the Cascades, with stops in Leavenworth, Othello and Moses Lake.

Before working for Free Press Publishing, Kirkpatrick was the publisher and editor of Northshore News, a startup publication serving the Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville communities.

"Bob brings a lot of years of experience to the Cheney Free Press. As a veteran journalist, he knows what it takes to produce a quality newspaper," Publisher Roger Harnack said. "As a veteran editor, he'll help our new journalists hone their skills. His familiarity with Eastern Washington will help bring news home for our readers."

Kirkpatrick said he's excited to help create the best content possible for the Cheney community.

"Most of my experience has been in small communities and that's where the heart of good journalism is," Kirkpatrick said. "You're not going to find local journalism done on any level but in small communities and I've always loved being a part of that."