Mike Fannin steps down after 14 years as executive editor of The Kansas City Star

Mike Fannin, The Kansas City Star’s president and editor, has announced his resignation.

Fannin, who joined The Star in 1997 and had been its top editor since 2008, had been on a leave of absence since mid-October.

Greg Farmer, The Star’s managing editor since 2016, has served as interim executive editor in Fannin’s absence and will continue in that role until a permanent replacement is named.

“Mike has served the Kansas City community in this role for 14 years – years that produced extraordinary journalism across beats and coverage areas and accountability work that changed lives,” said Kristin Roberts, chief content officer for McClatchy, The Star’s parent company.

“I and our entire team appreciate Mike’s long service to The Star and to Kansas City.”

Fannin was arrested this summer in Olathe on a DUI charge. Court records show he pleaded guilty Oct. 7 and was sentenced to two days in jail, 120 hours of house arrest and one year of probation.

Under Fannin’s leadership The Star was a finalist in the Pulitzer Prizes for five straight years, winning the award in the commentary category this year. The Star also won two Scripps Howard awards and several National Headliner Awards, among others, in that time.

“It’s been such a privilege to work alongside so many talented people over the years,” Fannin said in a statement. “My heart is full of gratitude for them all. … My thanks go out to all the journalists in our newsroom - and all the wonderful people in sales, audience, HR and production.”

This story was originally published December 7, 2022 at 3:52 PM.