It has been clear that in these times, the quality of investigative journalism has deteriorated significantly. As newspapers consolidate and newsrooms become more about profit than product, the nation suffers from a lack of in-depth reporting that uncovers stories and scandals, not just PR-laded soundbites. A story like Watergate would almost be impossible to come out now, a budget would never allow for months and months of investigation without anything to show for it. The plot of Watergate is better suited for a movie script than to take place in reality these days.
However, there is a group coming together that wants to fill in the cracks that journalism has formed lately. It is a non-profit center that will have the resources to do the people's work and fulfill some semblance of the fourth estate.
From The New York Times:
The nonprofit group, called Pro Publica, will pitch each project to a newspaper or magazine (and occasionally to other media) where the group hopes the work will make the strongest impression. The plan is to do long-term projects, uncovering misdeeds in government, business and organizations.
Nothing quite like it has been attempted, and despite having a lot going for it, Pro Publica will be something of an experiment, inventing its practices by trial and error. It remains to be seen how well it can attract talent and win the cooperation of the mainstream media.
“It is the deep-dive stuff and the aggressive follow-up that is most challenged in the budget process,” said Mr. Steiger, who will be Pro Publica’s president and editor in chief. He gave up the title of managing editor of The Journal in May, but is staying on through the end of the year as editor at large; during his tenure, the newsroom won 16 Pulitzer Prizes.
Pro Publica is the creation of Herbert M. and Marion O. Sandler, the former chief executives of the Golden West Financial Corporation, based in California, which was one of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders and savings and loans. They have committed $10 million a year to the project, while various foundations have provided smaller amounts. Mr. Sandler will serve as chairman of the group, which will begin operations early next year.
Despite the skepticism in the second paragraph above in the Times, attracting true talent shouldn't be too hard. For the real journalists that are left, free reign to do actual reporting without budgetary constraints is a dream come true. As the Times itself notes, their own moron-in-chief, Bill Keller said in the article he would be willing to use the work Pro Publica puts out.
Something has to be done for the state of journalism in this country. Pro Publica seems to have a great shot at making a difference for us all.
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