Reed F. Richardson
@reedfrich.bsky.social
Managing Editor, Global Investigative Journalism Network (@gijn.org). Army veteran. Press freedom. Pro-democracy. Past bylines: FAIRMediaWatch, The Nation, TPM, Alternet, Salon, Mediaite, et al.
“Someone has to investigate the bastards” — Chuck Lewis
“Someone has to investigate the bastards” — Chuck Lewis
Pinned
Reed F. Richardson
@reedfrich.bsky.social
· Nov 21
Global Investigative Journalism Network
GIJN is an international association of nonprofit organizations that support, promote, and produce investigative journalism. GIJN hosts conferences and provides training, resources, and consulting.
GIJN.org
Investigative journalism is one of the only consistent, independent ways of holding to account disinformation, abuse of power, corruption, war crimes, etc.
We @gijn.bsky.social are committed to those who uncover + spotlight wrongdoing, a critically necessary element for a free & democratic world.
We @gijn.bsky.social are committed to those who uncover + spotlight wrongdoing, a critically necessary element for a free & democratic world.
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
"Can you do investigative journalism from a position of neutrality?"
Still a tricky subject because if you're not neutral that suggests bias. But if you go where the facts go it doesn't.
From: "Laura Poitras Investigates Seymour Hersh," in Columbia Journalism Preview: www.cjr.org/the-intervie...
Still a tricky subject because if you're not neutral that suggests bias. But if you go where the facts go it doesn't.
From: "Laura Poitras Investigates Seymour Hersh," in Columbia Journalism Preview: www.cjr.org/the-intervie...
December 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"Can you do investigative journalism from a position of neutrality?"
Still a tricky subject because if you're not neutral that suggests bias. But if you go where the facts go it doesn't.
From: "Laura Poitras Investigates Seymour Hersh," in Columbia Journalism Preview: www.cjr.org/the-intervie...
Still a tricky subject because if you're not neutral that suggests bias. But if you go where the facts go it doesn't.
From: "Laura Poitras Investigates Seymour Hersh," in Columbia Journalism Preview: www.cjr.org/the-intervie...
Agree—I think the coverage here is also committing the sin of relativity/recency bias. Yes, killing in Gaza during this ‘ceasefire’ is far lower than *before*, but a pattern of near-daily bombings where hundreds of people have died would/should ordinarily be a huge story, not framed as an anomaly.
If scores of people are being killed on the regular there is no ceasefire only the pretense of one. NYT would do well to acknowledge reality.
December 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Agree—I think the coverage here is also committing the sin of relativity/recency bias. Yes, killing in Gaza during this ‘ceasefire’ is far lower than *before*, but a pattern of near-daily bombings where hundreds of people have died would/should ordinarily be a huge story, not framed as an anomaly.
Some of the damning details from this story on ICE recruits:
"tattoos associated with gangs & white supremacists"
"can barely read or write"
"willful blindness"
"zero vetting"
"bringing people in who shouldn't be hired at all into any federal gov't job, definitely not one that has a badge and a gun"
"tattoos associated with gangs & white supremacists"
"can barely read or write"
"willful blindness"
"zero vetting"
"bringing people in who shouldn't be hired at all into any federal gov't job, definitely not one that has a badge and a gun"
must be pretty bad when the Daily Mail is running smashmouth exposes on a GOP admin www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
ICE's messy hiring spree brings in unfit and illiterate recruits
ICE recruits with no experience are being fast-tracked into the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, where instructors are astounded at their incompetence.
www.dailymail.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Some of the damning details from this story on ICE recruits:
"tattoos associated with gangs & white supremacists"
"can barely read or write"
"willful blindness"
"zero vetting"
"bringing people in who shouldn't be hired at all into any federal gov't job, definitely not one that has a badge and a gun"
"tattoos associated with gangs & white supremacists"
"can barely read or write"
"willful blindness"
"zero vetting"
"bringing people in who shouldn't be hired at all into any federal gov't job, definitely not one that has a badge and a gun"
At #GIJC25, veteran journalists shared their best practices for investigating LGBTQ+ rights issues. They explained why a widespread lack of data and an alarming increase in threats and marginalization make it that much tougher to report accountability stories about the gay and trans communities.
Tips and Advice for Investigating the Stories that Impact the LGBTQ+ Community
Rising political backlash and harmful policies threaten queer lives. Covering systemic failures that affect LGBTQ+ people requires rigorous, sensitive reporting.
gijn.org
December 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
At #GIJC25, veteran journalists shared their best practices for investigating LGBTQ+ rights issues. They explained why a widespread lack of data and an alarming increase in threats and marginalization make it that much tougher to report accountability stories about the gay and trans communities.
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
File under "charts that need no explanatory context to make the story clear" wapo.st/4iC8oCR
December 4, 2025 at 1:23 PM
File under "charts that need no explanatory context to make the story clear" wapo.st/4iC8oCR
Journalism is under siege globally, from funding crises to authoritarian threats to social media+AI misinformation campaigns.
But at #GIJC25, investigative reporters from around the world came together to share knowledge, teach best practices, & empower our fight for accountability and the truth.
But at #GIJC25, investigative reporters from around the world came together to share knowledge, teach best practices, & empower our fight for accountability and the truth.
GIJC25 - Key Moments from Kuala Lumpur
YouTube video by Global Investigative Journalism Network
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Journalism is under siege globally, from funding crises to authoritarian threats to social media+AI misinformation campaigns.
But at #GIJC25, investigative reporters from around the world came together to share knowledge, teach best practices, & empower our fight for accountability and the truth.
But at #GIJC25, investigative reporters from around the world came together to share knowledge, teach best practices, & empower our fight for accountability and the truth.
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
The Trans Journalists Association is building a future of journalism where stories about trans people are just, ethical, and informed by our leadership.
This #GivingTuesday, we’re asking you to support our movement: bit.ly/tja_pride. 🧵
This #GivingTuesday, we’re asking you to support our movement: bit.ly/tja_pride. 🧵
December 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The Trans Journalists Association is building a future of journalism where stories about trans people are just, ethical, and informed by our leadership.
This #GivingTuesday, we’re asking you to support our movement: bit.ly/tja_pride. 🧵
This #GivingTuesday, we’re asking you to support our movement: bit.ly/tja_pride. 🧵
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
This #GivingTuesday, we’re spotlighting the work from #GIJC25 that’s helping independent newsrooms stay sustainable – from audience-centered models at @correctiv.org and @disclosetv.bsky.social to innovative funding strategies across the globe.
🔗 https://twp.ai/NTXLLh
🔗 https://twp.ai/Ims69d
🔗 https://twp.ai/NTXLLh
🔗 https://twp.ai/Ims69d
gijn.org
Tips for Identifying New Funding Sources for Investigative Journalism
twp.ai
December 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
This #GivingTuesday, we’re spotlighting the work from #GIJC25 that’s helping independent newsrooms stay sustainable – from audience-centered models at @correctiv.org and @disclosetv.bsky.social to innovative funding strategies across the globe.
🔗 https://twp.ai/NTXLLh
🔗 https://twp.ai/Ims69d
🔗 https://twp.ai/NTXLLh
🔗 https://twp.ai/Ims69d
Of note: Emerson's last two polls of the NJ Gov race had the Dem candidate, Mikie Sherrill, tied and ahead by 2 points, respectively.
She actually won by 14…
www.realclearpolling.com/polls/govern...
She actually won by 14…
www.realclearpolling.com/polls/govern...
December 1, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Of note: Emerson's last two polls of the NJ Gov race had the Dem candidate, Mikie Sherrill, tied and ahead by 2 points, respectively.
She actually won by 14…
www.realclearpolling.com/polls/govern...
She actually won by 14…
www.realclearpolling.com/polls/govern...
If you weren't able to come to Kuala Lumpur for our 14th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (#gijc25), never fear, @gijn.org already published two-dozen stories featuring some of the best speakers and interesting panels, with more to come over the next few weeks.
You can find it all here⬇️
You can find it all here⬇️
GIJC25
The 14th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC25) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, assembled more than 1,500 journalists from over 135 countries and territories to hold workshops, share best prac...
gijn.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:18 AM
If you weren't able to come to Kuala Lumpur for our 14th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (#gijc25), never fear, @gijn.org already published two-dozen stories featuring some of the best speakers and interesting panels, with more to come over the next few weeks.
You can find it all here⬇️
You can find it all here⬇️
At #GIJC25, Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa calls on journalists to work together and warns that 2026 may be a crucial, one-year window for many independent media organizations around the world to preserve what's left of their independence and rapidly disappearing press freedom.
At GIJC25, Nobel Prize Laureate Maria Ressa Calls for ‘Radical Collaboration’ to Combat Misinformation and Preserve Press Freedom
In her keynote address, the Rappler CEO issued an urgent call for the investigative reporting community to embrace creative solutions in pursuit of the facts and a sustainable future.
gijn.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:44 AM
At #GIJC25, Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa calls on journalists to work together and warns that 2026 may be a crucial, one-year window for many independent media organizations around the world to preserve what's left of their independence and rapidly disappearing press freedom.
Calling all #datajournalists, the 2026 SIGMA Awards, hosted by @gijn.org, are now officially open for submissions.
And a reminder, these awards are open to individuals and small newsrooms, as well as bigger organizations. Last year, we recognized 10 winners for individual projects & portfolios.
And a reminder, these awards are open to individuals and small newsrooms, as well as bigger organizations. Last year, we recognized 10 winners for individual projects & portfolios.
Sigma Awards 2026 for Data Journalism Are Open for Entries
Submissions are now open for data projects published in 2025. The deadline to apply is January 11, 2026.
gijn.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Calling all #datajournalists, the 2026 SIGMA Awards, hosted by @gijn.org, are now officially open for submissions.
And a reminder, these awards are open to individuals and small newsrooms, as well as bigger organizations. Last year, we recognized 10 winners for individual projects & portfolios.
And a reminder, these awards are open to individuals and small newsrooms, as well as bigger organizations. Last year, we recognized 10 winners for individual projects & portfolios.
Genuinely curious how any WaPo editor justifies using "despite" in this headline?
Doesn't a "growing toll of Palestinian casualties" provide pretty clear evidence of one party *violating* the ceasefire?
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Doesn't a "growing toll of Palestinian casualties" provide pretty clear evidence of one party *violating* the ceasefire?
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
November 20, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Genuinely curious how any WaPo editor justifies using "despite" in this headline?
Doesn't a "growing toll of Palestinian casualties" provide pretty clear evidence of one party *violating* the ceasefire?
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Doesn't a "growing toll of Palestinian casualties" provide pretty clear evidence of one party *violating* the ceasefire?
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
By far my favorite line from this bizarre story: "Investigators later found matching zip ties in her Maserati SUV."
A staffer to a New Jersey congressman allegedly paid an scarification artist $500 to wound her as she staged a scene with zip ties and “Trump Whore” written on her stomach, federal prosecutors say
Ex-Van Drew staffer staged fake attack, writing 'Trump Whore' across her stomach and alleging men held her down and cut her body - New Jersey Globe
A 26-year-old Ocean City woman who claimed she was brutally assaulted because she worked for Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Ocean City) instead orchestrated the
newjerseyglobe.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:58 AM
By far my favorite line from this bizarre story: "Investigators later found matching zip ties in her Maserati SUV."
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
You know what media is NOT bending the knee in the Trump era? College journalists! The Harvard Crimson's brutal takedown of the lecherous ex-prez Larry Summers is just the latest example of students showing a failing 'grown-up' media how it's done
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
College journalism exposes the rot of ‘grown-ups’ | Will Bunch Newsletter
Plus a history lesson on the real ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ and fascism,
www.inquirer.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
You know what media is NOT bending the knee in the Trump era? College journalists! The Harvard Crimson's brutal takedown of the lecherous ex-prez Larry Summers is just the latest example of students showing a failing 'grown-up' media how it's done
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
On the eve of #GIJC25, @gijn.org is running a special Wednesday edition of our #DataJournalism Top 10 column. In this one, we look at how Elon Musk's X pushes extremist right-wing content in the UK & a deep dive by The Economist on how an AI bubble bursting could be worse than the dot-com meltdown.
X’s Right-Wing Bias in UK, Tigray’s Illicit Gold Rush, Financial Risks of AI Bubble, and What People Ask ChatGPT
Our round-up also highlights which countries are following through on their climate change commitments, a deep-dive into the challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s vertical city, and modelling whether today...
gijn.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:21 AM
On the eve of #GIJC25, @gijn.org is running a special Wednesday edition of our #DataJournalism Top 10 column. In this one, we look at how Elon Musk's X pushes extremist right-wing content in the UK & a deep dive by The Economist on how an AI bubble bursting could be worse than the dot-com meltdown.
How is this exchange anything other than Trump blaming a journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, for his own murder at the hands of a dictator — and, for good measure, then attacking a reporter for daring to hold Trump accountable for publicly excusing/offering a denial for said dictator.
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia was branded a pariah in 2018 after the killing of a Washington Post columnist. Now, U.S.-Saudi relations are nearing a high point.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:53 AM
How is this exchange anything other than Trump blaming a journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, for his own murder at the hands of a dictator — and, for good measure, then attacking a reporter for daring to hold Trump accountable for publicly excusing/offering a denial for said dictator.
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
This is cool. COURIER has created a searchable database with all 20,000 of the files just released from Epstein’s estate.
Trump's name appears in them more than anyone else, in 1,628 documents.
couriernewsroom.com/news/we-crea...
Trump's name appears in them more than anyone else, in 1,628 documents.
couriernewsroom.com/news/we-crea...
We created a searchable database with all 20,000 files from Epstein’s Estate
Easily find every mention of Trump, Clinton, blackmail, and potential sex crimes in the thousands of private messages between Epstein and his close associates.
couriernewsroom.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:58 PM
This is cool. COURIER has created a searchable database with all 20,000 of the files just released from Epstein’s estate.
Trump's name appears in them more than anyone else, in 1,628 documents.
couriernewsroom.com/news/we-crea...
Trump's name appears in them more than anyone else, in 1,628 documents.
couriernewsroom.com/news/we-crea...
My favorite quote from @gijn.org's recap of the 2025 African Investigative Journalism Conference is from Joe Ageyo, Nation Media Group editor-in-chief:
“We must learn to monetize credibility, to treat trust as currency.”
“We must learn to monetize credibility, to treat trust as currency.”
After 21 Years, AIJC Signs Off from South Africa in Style. Next Stop: Kenya
More than 455 attendees representing 45 countries, 37 of them in Africa, attended Africa's premier investigative journalism conference at Wits University.
gijn.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:42 PM
My favorite quote from @gijn.org's recap of the 2025 African Investigative Journalism Conference is from Joe Ageyo, Nation Media Group editor-in-chief:
“We must learn to monetize credibility, to treat trust as currency.”
“We must learn to monetize credibility, to treat trust as currency.”
Reposted by Reed F. Richardson
NEW: ProPublica examined months of Fox News’ coverage and reviewed over 700 videos posted on social media.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
“Riots Raging”: The Misleading Story Fox News Told About Portland Before Trump Sent Troops
After reviewing coverage from the network and hours of social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision, ProPublica found that Fox’s portrayal of “Portland rioters” routinely instigating violence was misleading.
www.propublica.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM
NEW: ProPublica examined months of Fox News’ coverage and reviewed over 700 videos posted on social media.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
Whistleblowing remains a vital accountability tool, but has grown increasingly fraught in an era where governments and employers deploy invasive surveillance & punish truth-telling about misconduct.
Today, @gijn.org looks at two new, cutting-edge platforms that seek to minimize risks for leakers.
Today, @gijn.org looks at two new, cutting-edge platforms that seek to minimize risks for leakers.
New Tools to Reduce the Risks for Whistleblowers
Two new digital platforms seek to solve many of the problems and vulnerabilities that prevent whistleblowers from coming forward.
gijn.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Whistleblowing remains a vital accountability tool, but has grown increasingly fraught in an era where governments and employers deploy invasive surveillance & punish truth-telling about misconduct.
Today, @gijn.org looks at two new, cutting-edge platforms that seek to minimize risks for leakers.
Today, @gijn.org looks at two new, cutting-edge platforms that seek to minimize risks for leakers.
On Veterans Day, a reminder that Trump's DOGE hired a software engineer with zero gov't experience to start writing code on his second day of work for an AI tool that targeted 2,000 VA contracts to eliminate based on flawed assumptions & reckless disregard for patient care.
How ProPublica Exposed a Flawed AI Tool ‘Munching’ Hundreds of Veteran Contracts
The team used leaked documents and an interview with the AI tool's developer to reveal numerous mistakes behind the Trump administration's cost-cutting measures of veterans' care.
gijn.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
On Veterans Day, a reminder that Trump's DOGE hired a software engineer with zero gov't experience to start writing code on his second day of work for an AI tool that targeted 2,000 VA contracts to eliminate based on flawed assumptions & reckless disregard for patient care.
The newspaper's 98-year-old co-publisher, Joan Meyer, told the deputies raiding her home (and office) that their conduct was "illegal as hell."
She died the next day from cardiac arrest.
Frankly, $3 million is not nearly enough
#pressfreedom
She died the next day from cardiac arrest.
Frankly, $3 million is not nearly enough
#pressfreedom
Breaking: Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret kansasreflector.com/2025/11/11/m...
Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret • Kansas Reflector
A handful of county-level officials who were involved in a small-town Kansas newspaper raid in 2023 will pay a cumulative $3 million to three journalists and a city councilor.
kansasreflector.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The newspaper's 98-year-old co-publisher, Joan Meyer, told the deputies raiding her home (and office) that their conduct was "illegal as hell."
She died the next day from cardiac arrest.
Frankly, $3 million is not nearly enough
#pressfreedom
She died the next day from cardiac arrest.
Frankly, $3 million is not nearly enough
#pressfreedom