Before joining KBIA and the Missouri School of Journalism, Ratanpal covered money in politics at OpenSecrets, tracking campaign finance and lobbying data. At the Missouri School of Journalism, he covered local government, homelessness and the state legislature for mid-Missouri’s NPR member station KBIA and the Columbia Missourian. He was also the news director of KCOU, the campus student-run radio station. He holds a bachelor’s in journalism and a Bachelor of Science in economics. His first real-world gig was interning for his hometown newspaper, The San Diego Union-Tribune. He started his career in the 7th grade, writing for his school paper, the PawPrints. In his free time, Ratanpal makes music, lifts weights and climbs rocks.
Beat: Environmental impacts on rural communities
This producer engages with under-represented groups, new arrivals and communities of color in our surrounding rural populations to collaboratively report on the many ways that these groups are disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental challenges. The producer practices engagement-first journalism to connect with these communities and share dialogue and ideas, as well as consistent reporting, to explore challenges from climate change and possible solutions.