Patch User Profile for Kyle Bagenstose

[updated 4/2/12]I'm excited to be the editor of Plymouth-Whitemarsh Patch, and of course to be a part of this community. Journalism has hit hard times recently, but I'm grateful to be working for an ambitious company that is bolstering coverage in small town America.

A Reading, Pennsylvania native, I am proud of my Pennsylvania Dutch roots (since 1734). I'm a Wilson High School alumnus, where I was a wrestler and member of the debate team.

I attended Temple University to study political science, but found the "watchdog" aspect of journalism more appealing and graduated with a degree in magazine journalism.

I took a particular interest in local and entrepreneurial journalism, and founded an alternative news website for the Temple University community that became successful. It was exhilarating and hooked me on writing and editing.

After graduation, I "freelanced" (searched for a job) until linking up with Patch. It's tough to gain respect as a reporter/editor at a young age, but I work hard to put the best quality product on the site and gain reader loyalty.

My byline also appears occasionally in regional publications such as Phillymag.com, the Temple alumni magazine, DTown magazine, and others.

Your Beliefs At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know. Politics [updated 4/2/12] How would you describe your political beliefs? Left of center, but I hold the responsibility of fair and ethical journalism, as well as mutual respect for differing viewpoints, above any personal political beliefs.

Are you registered with a certain party? I have been registered with both major political parties in the past year.

Religion I am agnostic. Local Hot-Button Issues [updated 4/2/12] What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

While new to covering the area, I know flooding is of great concern, particularly in Whitemarsh township. Also, as a former resident of North Philadelphia and current resident of Manayunk, I know that anytime there's an influx of young people into an area (i.e. Conshohocken), friction awaits.

However, I'm sure there are many untold or hidden stories that need to find daylight, so I encourage you to share your knowledge with me by tipping me at Kyle@Patch.com.