“SEIZED”

A journalist’s role is very clear: They are a witness to history as they report events to the public, they have to uncover the truth and corruption around them, and they must hold people in power accountable. But what happens when journalists themselves become the story, as was the case when a small town newspaper was plunged into the national spotlight following a police raid of its newsroom? Well, hold on, because if there’s another thing journalists are known to be, it’s relentless. Sharon Liese’s “Seized” is a riveting documentary about the power of the press and standing up to bullies, and at the same time, a hilariously bitchy tale about the characters you might find in small towns. This film strikes a perfect balance between centering its story on such a specific and wild case while also speaking to broader issues that are impacting news organizations everywhere. With drama, scandals, and plenty of whimsical people, it’s a documentary that must be watched.

On the outskirts, the town of Marion, Kansas, is a place that most people would likely dismiss as any other sleepy, unexciting community in the middle of nowhere. But that’s exactly where the juiciest stories lie. On Aug. 11, 2023, the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the editor’s and a city councilmember’s homes were raided. Law enforcement officials seized cell phones, computers, and documents, all tied to alleged identity theft and illegal computer use. Through surveillance videos, police camera footage, and talking head interviews, that day comes alive to us again, and what’s immediately clear is that this newspaper staff is not one to mess with (the front page of the following edition featured the main headline “Seized … but not silenced”). To make matters even worse, the stress of that day resulted in the death of its 98-year-old co-owner/the editor’s mother.

It’s a story that, on the surface, was made for national news. But it’s the deep-rooted tale full of conspiracies, entanglements, and pettiness that Liese presents us that is truly juicy. First of all, she couldn’t have asked for a better group of people, who are such characters themselves, but also willing to air out people’s dirty laundry (especially if it’s newsworthy). The Marion County Record’s editor, Eric, is an absolute hoot, and his introduction of smoking outside the newsroom next to a bucket filled with cigarette butts says all you need to know about the stress of his job. He is a classic newsman in the sense that he is committed to telling the truth, and he doesn’t care whose feelings he might hurt in the process. That has certainly gotten him in trouble with many in town, including the police chief, whom the paper has been investigating for his shady past; the former and current mayors, who can hold grudges; and a local business owner, who is deeply intertwined with the raid. It plays into the notion that everyone in small towns knows everyone’s business, and boy, is that the case here. An ex-best friend is willing to share incriminating documents with reporters to get back at someone in town, while officials are willing to abuse their power and go against constitutional rights just to show people who’s boss. In the midst of all of this is how the newspaper’s staff is treated and viewed in the community. The former mayor wrote in a Facebook post that journalists are among the worst people in the country, which says a lot. Now, Eric is certainly not perfect; he seems to love stirring up drama or calling out people’s bad behavior. He even criticized children’s grammar and spelling in their letters to Santa in an editorial, which parents certainly did not appreciate. It wasn’t the most necessary use of newspaper space, but it’s clear that he calls it as he sees it.

But the most important tenet of “Seized,” as is journalism’s, is uncovering the truth. From the beginning, there was something fishy going on with this police raid, but the only reason that all of it came to light is because of the work of reporters. They took their time getting to know the community (especially those who came from organizations outside the area) and investigated various throughlines until they found evidence of corruption. In many respects, it’s easy to be cynical of news today, especially with “fake news” everywhere, but that’s quite reductive to the work that these careers require, especially with smaller publications that don’t have endless resources available. In that sense, “Seized” is a champion for the little guys and shows that they’re just as willing to fight for the truth as anyone else. It also sends a clear message that the freedom of the press is a constitutional right, and there are still journalists like Eric who take that to heart with every story they pursue.

While most of the focus is on the events surrounding the police raid, Liese also spotlights the less glamorous side of local journalism through cub reporter Finn. Joining the Marion County Record a year after the raids, this New Yorker is trying his best to adjust to this small-town way of life and learn the ins and outs of reporting. It’s a wonderful inclusion in this film because viewers get to see what this often misunderstood job consists of, including covering city council meetings (which aren’t always exciting), brainstorming story ideas (which can be excruciating), and finding local residents to interview (which can sometimes be like pulling teeth). But Finn takes it in great strides, and his moments with Eric and the other veteran news staffers are so sweet as they take him under their wings. For the most part, this documentary doesn’t push back on or question Eric and the way he does his work, but Finn occasionally serves as a well-needed devil’s advocate, bringing up how coverage might be biased at times.

The Marion County Record may be a small paper compared to giants like The New York Times or Washington Post, but there’s no denying its, and so many other, new organizations’ importance in these trying times. The events shown in “Seized” are a clear example of how easy it is for the wrong people to take advantage of others, whether it be media groups, governmental bodies, or even those closest to them. But make no mistake, picking on the little guys doesn’t always mean it’ll be an easy fight, especially when you’ve got dedicated, savvy, and, most important of all, sassy journalists involved.