KET’s “Kentucky Edition” and “Kentucky Tonight” are filming several special episodes in Owensboro this month featuring Owensboro’s own Kelsey (Kirkpatrick) Starks. The public affairs programs will feature special stories about the region, highlighting the riverfront, the BBQ scene, and more.
Long-time “Kentucky Tonight” host Renee Shaw will join Starks at next week’s Rooster Booster. Starks will field questions and interview Shaw as part of their presentation. Rooster Booster is slated for July 11 at 7:30 a.m.
The show also includes profiles of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Moneta Sleet Jr. and renowned artist Aaron Kizer. Starks will also be able to interview her father and local businessman, Kirk Kirkpatrick.
“What a treat to have my KET family in my hometown, and I’m thrilled to introduce the rest of Kentucky to the place where I grew up,” Starks said. “The people in Owensboro shaped me in so many ways. Sharing the stories of some of my favorite people has been an experience I’ll never forget. Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve ever interviewed my dad.”
Kirkpatrick was equally excited about the opportunity to showcase Owensboro and be on camera with his daughter.
“There are so many great stories about passionate citizens and their accomplishments,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s amazing to see her interview someone at the state level. It feels like she was 8 years old and swinging in the front yard just yesterday. I’m proud of her and all that she’s accomplished.”
Kirkpatrick spoke highly of KET’s efforts to showcase Owensboro in a special way.
“There will be bluegrass, BBQ, and bourbon, but also so many other positive elements of the city, “ he said. “I admire how Kelsey has found a way to use her journalism in a nonprofit and educational way, as KET provides.”
Starks also visited with Joy Johnson, Clay and Diane Ford, and countless others who have left a lasting impact on her and the community.
“I never had the chance to work professionally in Owensboro, so this has given me the opportunity to shine a light on this incredible community in a way that’s very personal to me,” Starks said. “I just can’t wait for our KET viewers to learn more about the great city of Owensboro.”
Kizer enjoyed having KET attend his recent art show, Yousuf, which he used as an opportunity to promote the established art scene in Owensboro. Recently, he’s made it his mission to put Owensboro on the map for its arts.
“It means a lot to be featured on KET,” Kizer said. “I’ve always said Owensboro is an art town, and this is further proof of that. It’s an excellent opportunity to show the rest of the state Owensboro’s vibrant art scene.”
“Kentucky Edition” airs on weekday evenings at 5:30 p.m. CT on KET and at 10:30 p.m. CT on KET2. The program is also available on-demand at KET.org/KentuckyEdition or via the PBS app.
