Glacier Country News

Montana Public Radio (MTPR) is expanding its state government news team to address coverage gaps in rural community issues. This initiative, supported by a $180,000 grant from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, involves collaboration with Yellowstone Public Radio and the University of Montana School of Journalism. The reporting will be freely accessible to news outlets statewide.

Corin Cates-Carney, MTPR News Director, stated that the new reporter will focus on how state government affects life in Montana. "Our goal is to bring Montanans news about state government from outside the state Capitol in Helena," he said.

Victoria Traxler has been hired for this role. She holds a journalism degree from Elon University and completed her Master's Degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism at UM in 2024. Her previous experience includes working as a public safety reporter at the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Anne Hosler, director of UM’s Broadcast Media Center, expressed enthusiasm about the grant and Traxler's hiring: “I am so thrilled that MTPR received this grant and hired Victoria to greatly expand our local coverage for Montanans across the state.”

Professor Lee Banville from UM's journalism school highlighted the importance of this partnership: “This project is exactly the kind of partnership that helps this vital reporting reach a broader community.”

Jackie Coffin, YPR News Director, also voiced support for the collaboration: “Yellowstone Public Radio is thrilled to collaborate with MTPR on this effort to grow journalism resources in our rural communities.”

For more information on accessing and publishing reports by MTPR’s new rural policy reporter, contact Corin Cates-Carney at corin.cates-carney@umt.edu.

MTPR broadcasts across various stations including KUFB Browning 88.9; KAPC Butte 91.3; KUMD Deer Lodge 90.9; among others.