The Investigations Fund

News from the BIJ in a press release out today – annoucning hiring of Angus Stickler from BBC Radio 4.

PRESS RELEASE:

BOOST TO SERIOUS UK JOURNALISM

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism officially launches this Monday 26th April 2010. The not-for-profit organisation is the first of its kind in the UK and aims to bolster original journalism by producing high-quality investigations for national and international press and broadcast media.

In the current economic climate it is increasingly difficult for editors to invest in expensive long-term investigations. The Bureau received a £2 million grant from the Potter Foundation last year to try and plug the gap. Its long-term aim is to explore new ways of conducting and funding investigative journalism.

It will initially function as a production house working in collaboration with other news groups to get its investigations published and distributed.

The governance structure of the Bureau is such that the editorial control of the Bureau is entirely separate from its funding source.

Iain Overton, the Bureau’s managing editor, a former ITN executive producer said: “This is an exciting venture. The Bureau is collaborating with a number of major national and international publishers and broadcasters. We are already uncovering some powerful stories that we aim to get out in the next few months.”

The Bureau will focus on issues of governance, probity, corruption and the abuse of power. Its work will be based on the highest standards of editorial integrity and competence.

It appointed BBC journalist Angus Stickler as its lead reporter last month. Stickler joined the bureau after 16 years at the BBC, where he worked for the Today programme for eight years, File on 4, and for Newsnight.

“I’ve had a fantastic career with the BBC, where I’ve done good, thorough investigations. Joining the Bureau provides an exciting opportunity and a new way of thinking about how to do serious investigative journalism.”

The Bureau’s offices are based at City University London. The Bureau also aims to support the education and training of investigative journalists but remains independent from the University.

Notes to Editors
The Managing Editor of the Bureau is Iain Overton.

The Chair of the Trust of the Bureau is James Lee. David Potter, Elaine Potter, Sir David Bell and George Brock make up the other Board members.

Ray Fitzwalter, Gavin MacFadyen, David Pallister and Isabel Hilton sit on the Bureau’s editorial advisory board.

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