Keeping Investigative Journalism Alive [1]
Submitted by Judith Siers-Poisson [2] on
A new non-profit group called Pro Publica wants to counter the decrease in real investigative journalism. "The plan is to do long-term projects, uncovering misdeeds in government, business and organizations." Pro Publica will be led by Paul E. Steiger, who served as the top editor of The Wall Street Journal [3] for 16 years. It is the creation of Californians Herbert M. Sandler [4] and Marion O. Sandler [5], the former chief executives of the Golden West Financial Corporation. They have personally committed $10 million in support per year. "Pro Publica plans to establish a newsroom in New York City and have 24 journalists, one of the biggest investigative staffs in any medium, along with about a dozen other employees. Mr. Steiger said he envisions a mix of accomplished reporters and editors, including some hired from major publications, and talented people with only a few years' experience, so that the group will become a training ground for investigative reporters." Pro Publica plans to launch in early 2008.