Imagine if you will, a reporter or editor being interviewed by us. That’s right, we interview them. Why? Because too often in our business it’s tough to find time, foster a relationship, and say thank you for all you do to keep the public informed and entertained.

We figured a page in our monthly newsletter would be a good way to do just that – and keep our readers up to speed on what’s happening in media.

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Coming from Report for America and earlier roles in Missouri, Arizona, and Tucson, what drew you specifically to Westword and Denver’s local news scene in 2023?

I grew up in Aurora, and I read Westword as a teenager. My first job was at DU, and I would pick up a copy every Thursday near University and Evans. The Westword newsroom was the first place I ever envisioned myself working, so coming back and writing for them has been a dream come true. 

With pieces on RTD service changes (like bringing back the C Line) or even Denver potentially positioning for a future Super Bowl, what do you think is the most underrated infrastructure or civic story in the metro area right now?

The closure of Civic Center Park isn’t talked about as much as I would expect. For Denver, it’s a key piece of the city, and it will be closed for a while. The first phase won’t finish until 2027, and during that time, major events will be or have already been displaced, including PrideFest, Cinco de Mayo and 420. Notable landmark preservationists in the state are very upset by the work being done, as they believe that Denver is losing unique, historic features. 

As someone who’s won awards for Spanish-language reporting and social issues, how do you approach stories involving language barriers, cultural communities, or equity in a city as diverse as Denver?

I approach stories involving language barriers very enthusiastically because it’s a chance to practice what I study. I’ve done interviews in French, Portuguese, Arabic as well as Spanish, and usually I try to lean into letting a source speak their native language if it’s not English and I can understand it. With different cultural communities, it can be challenging. I’m reminded of the difficulty I had interviewing and getting access from certain Native American tribes in southern Arizona, like the Cocopah and Tohono O’odham. They would be very selective about what stories and which journalists they would help, and a wrong move could cut off access. I’m also reminded of the Venezuelans who came to Denver. They were very open, and most of the dozens I interviewed in 2023 and 2024 were willing to talk about anything. I try to feel out where people are uncomfortable or enthusiastic. It’s kind of guessing game. 

Bennito L. Kelty has been a staff writer at Westword since April 2023. Before joining Westword, Bennito worked for publications such as the Columbia Missourian, the St. Louis American, Vox Magazine, the Yuma Sun and the online Tucson Sentinel. He’s received awards from the Arizona Press Club, including first place for Spanish-language feature reporting and second place for social issues reporting. Bennito was a member of the Report for America Corps and is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia.

bennito.kelty@westword.com