Journalist on Professionalism Under Fire
On a recent podcast, investigative journalist Kyle Clark shared his core principle for handling public scrutiny: "My job is to find the best attainable version of the truth, and let the public decide if it matters." He argued that maintaining calm professionalism is a critical asset for any public-facing role.
Kyle Clark is the anchor and managing editor of "Next with Kyle Clark" on 9NEWS in Denver, a newscast he launched in 2016 as an alternative to traditional news formats. The program, which has been Denver's most-watched newscast since 2018, focuses on holding powerful people accountable, explaining complex issues, and collaborating with the community for story development. His approach has been described as direct and fact-focused, with Clark himself stating his only bias is "toward the truth." This style has drawn both national praise and significant criticism. He has received more than twenty Emmy awards and four national Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in TV Political Journalism for his work. In May 2024, Clark gained national attention for his moderation of a Republican primary debate for Colorado's 4th Congressional District, which included Rep. Lauren Boebert. His refusal to let candidates evade direct questions was praised by figures like Jimmy Kimmel, who said, "That's how you run a debate." Clark's journalism has led to tangible changes in Colorado law. One investigation exposed a flaw that allowed video peeping, prompting legislators to amend the statute, while another report on a judicial error that freed a drunk driver who later caused a fatal accident led to changes in prosecution practices. He has also faced intense public and political pressure. In January 2025, a Colorado state legislator, Rep. Brandi Bradley, publicly called for his arrest, along with that of a colleague, for "mis and dis information" in a social media post. Conservative outlets have criticized his reporting as left-leaning, particularly his coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark started "Word of Thanks," a micro-giving campaign that encourages viewers to donate small amounts to local non-profits. The initiative has raised over $15 million for Colorado charities. Clark's career in journalism began at age 15 as a play-by-play broadcaster for high school sports on WACK-AM radio in his hometown of Lyons, New York. He has been with 9NEWS in Denver since 2007, where he has anchored coverage of major events like the Aurora Theater Shooting and significant wildfires.
