New Investigative Initiative Launched in Texas
The Texas Tribune, in partnership with ProPublica, has initiated a groundbreaking investigative program to bolster accountability journalism within local newsrooms across Texas. This initiative strategically selects five local organizations to engage in comprehensive reporting on instances of power and influence throughout the state.
Participating Newsrooms
The five newsrooms selected for this year-long collaboration are:
A Focus on Accountability
Each partnering newsroom will work collaboratively with the Tribune-ProPublica investigative team to uncover how authority is exercised in Texas. This initiative expands upon the successful collaboration first launched in 2020, which has seen the production and distribution of investigative stories across various media outlets without charge.
“Local newsrooms are primed to deliver accountability reporting because they intimately know the communities they cover,” said Vianna Davila, deputy editor of the Tribune-ProPublica investigative unit. “We hope to facilitate even more of that reporting at a critical time in Texas and are so excited to work with these five newsrooms from across the state.”
Profiles of the Selected Newsrooms
El Paso Matters
Founded in 2020 by Robert Moore, El Paso Matters has established itself as a vital source for investigative journalism in the El Paso area. The nonprofit focuses on government, education, and health, and has received several accolades for its impactful reporting, including an investigation that led to a significant political resignation.
Fort Worth Report
Launched in 2021 in response to declining local news coverage, the Fort Worth Report delivers original reporting on local governance and community issues. The newsroom’s investigative work has revealed critical information regarding police policies and instances of alleged misconduct in religious institutions.
Houston Chronicle
As Texas’s largest newsroom, the Houston Chronicle serves more than 1.8 million readers weekly. The publication has a reputation for impactful reporting, leading to changes in legislation related to utility regulation and environmental safety amid recent investigations.
The Texas Newsroom
The Texas Newsroom, a collaboration involving NPR and various public radio stations, leverages the efforts of over 120 journalists. Recognized nationally for its excellence in investigative reporting, the newsroom addresses significant societal issues from a Texas vantage point.
WFAA
WFAA stands as a historic leader in local television news with a commitment to investigative journalism. The outlet has garnered numerous prestigious awards and has uncovered critical issues including regulatory failures in care facilities and environmental hazards related to chemical contamination.
