Knudsen v. Kansas Gas and Electric Co.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Lockett, J.:

Kerry Knudsen, plaintiff-appellant, contends that Lyle Koerper, Manager-Corporate Communications for Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KG&E), defendant-appellee, defamed his character and reputation at a meeting among Kansas City Star editors, KG&E personnel, and Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL) personnel. Knudsen appeals the trial court’s determinations that (1) his news story made him a public figure; (2) the statements were business communications made in good faith among individuals with a corresponding interest in the subject matter…