ProPublica

Investigative journalism is at risk. Many news organizations have increasingly come to see it as a luxury. Today''s investigative reporters lack resources: Time and budget constraints are curbing the ability of journalists not specifically designated "investigative" to do this kind of reporting in addition to their regular beats. This is therefore a moment when new models are necessary to carry forward some of the great work of journalism in the public interest that is such an integral part of self-government, and thus an important bulwark of our democracy.

How We''ll Do It

Our operating plan calls for a newsroom of 27 working journalists, all of them dedicated to investigative reporting on stories with significant potential for major impact. Paul Steiger is our Editor-in-Chief, Stephen Engelberg is Managing Editor.

Each story we publish will be distributed in a manner designed to maximize its impact. At the outset, at least, that means that many of our "deep dive" stories will likely be offered exclusively to a traditional news organization, free of charge, for publication or broadcast.

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Updates:
Paul Steiger''s article covering the progress of Propublica for the Spring 2008 issue of Nieman Reports: "Going Online with Watchdog Journalism"

A transcript of PBS''s Online Newshour coverage of Propublica. "A rise in the number of non-profit organizations funding journalism projects is changing how newsrooms gather independent content. Two media experts discuss the shift in foreign and investigative reporting." It includes an interview with Steiger. You can also stream it, or download the audio.

In an Oct. 15, 2007 Slate article, Jack Shafer considers the source of funding for ProPublica and asks if objectivity is really possible:

"ProPublica''s Web site vows that its investigations will be conducted in a "non-partisan and non-ideological manner, adhering to the strictest standards of journalistic impartiality." But philanthropists, especially those who earned the fortune they''re giving away, tend not to distribute their money with a blind eye to the results. How happy will they be if ProPublica gores their sacred Democratic cows? Or takes the "wrong" position on their pet projects: health, the environment, and civil liberties?"
ALSO
Another article that raises questions, this one an Investor''s Business Daily editorial :
"Mr. Sandler''s Media"

Ken Doctor''s Content Bridge Blog, March 16, 2008 post: "Charlie and Phil''s Excellent Global Adventure" mostly covers Global News (which is doing something similiar to ProPublica, but using a for-profit model), but does mention others in the trend. His analysis is complimentary, citing the extensive experience of those who have already signed on, and the potential success of this kind of model: "...I''m beginning to believe their most important business model is one that''s been sucked out of the newspaper industry: enthusiasm."