New US investigative journalism site set to launch

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — A new venture steered by the Wall Street Journal's former chief editor plans to revive the dying art of investigative journalism in the United States, its backers said Monday.

"ProPublica," to be staffed by 24 full-time journalists when it launches in January, plans to carry its news for free online and will seek syndication of its articles in leading US and foreign newspapers.

"Investigative journalism, in particular, is at risk," said Paul Steiger, who until May was the Wall Street Journal's managing editor.

"Many news organizations have increasingly come to see investigative journalism as a luxury that can be put aside in tough economic times," he said in a statement.

ProPublica's annual operating budget of 10 million dollars is...