Investigative Reporters & Editors

Investigative Reporters & Editors Investigative Reporters and Editors is a non-profit organization committed to building excellence in investigative journalism.

IRE was formed in 1975 to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques and news sources. We are headquartered at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Mo. We have more than 6,000 members worldwide, including journalists in print broadcast and online media, retirees, journalism educators and students. Visit

IRE's Web site, www.ire.org, to learn about everything the organization has to offer. IRE operates the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting, (NICAR) a joint venture with the Missouri School of Journalism. It's the leading resource computer-assisted reporting, also known as CAR, an ever-expanding field in which journalists using databases and other computer technology to report and present stories. The Database Library maintains a collection of national datasets to provide efficient and affordable data access for CAR projects and breaking news.

Heading to the Education Writers Association annual conference in Baltimore?Benét Wilson, one of IRE’s training director...
06/01/2026

Heading to the Education Writers Association annual conference in Baltimore?

Benét Wilson, one of IRE’s training directors, welcomes you to her hometown for this year’s conference.

Join her on Friday, June 5 for two sessions:

📊 11:45 a.m. — “20 Datasets, 20 Stories”

Learn how to uncover compelling education stories by digging into data and finding the numbers that matter most.

✍🏽 10:30 a.m. — “How to Freelance Like a Pro: Expert Tips and Strategies”
A practical conversation for journalists looking to build sustainable freelance careers and sharpen their independent reporting skills.

She’ll be at the convention throughout the day, so if you see her, say hello! She is always looking forward to connecting with fellow journalists, educators and storytellers.

See where the IRE team is headed next: https://bit.ly/4dMX06K

Check your e-mail inbox today for the weekly edition of "Local Matters," an IRE-sponsored newsletter featuring the best ...
06/01/2026

Check your e-mail inbox today for the weekly edition of "Local Matters," an IRE-sponsored newsletter featuring the best local watchdog journalism from across the country.

Subscribe for free: https://bit.ly/4aorGJx.

Submit your best work at [email protected]

Join IRE Board President Josh Hinkle and IRE Interim Executive Director Lauren Grandestaff for virtual office hours on J...
05/31/2026

Join IRE Board President Josh Hinkle and IRE Interim Executive Director Lauren Grandestaff for virtual office hours on June 10 from 1–2 p.m. ET.

They’ll discuss the upcoming IRE Conference, the Board election, progress on the executive director search, the future of the organization and more.

Bring your questions and join the conversation: https://bit.ly/4uFVGrZ

In Yemen, a single phishing click can put sources at risk and silence a newsroom before a story is even published.In thi...
05/30/2026

In Yemen, a single phishing click can put sources at risk and silence a newsroom before a story is even published.

In this new IRE Journal piece, Helal Al-Anwah of Aljumhuriya Media Network shares how his team built a security-first newsroom in exile—using zero-trust systems, OSINT verification, Cloudflare protection, and decentralized distribution to publish safely in a hostile digital environment.

It is a powerful look at how cybersecurity, verification and newsroom design are now essential to protecting both journalists and the truth.

Read the full article to see how a “digital fortress” can help keep journalism alive in conflict zones: https://bit.ly/49XaZEa

There's still room to sign up for the IRE26 conference mentorship program! If you'll be joining us in National Harbor ne...
05/30/2026

There's still room to sign up for the IRE26 conference mentorship program! If you'll be joining us in National Harbor next month and want to participate, please fill out this form: https://bit.ly/49XP4N8

Whether you’re hoping to connect with a seasoned investigative journalist or give back by guiding someone newer to the field, the IRE26 mentorship program is designed for you.

IRE will match participants and bring them together at the mentorship breakfast on Friday, June 19 at the conference hotel.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

To participate, you must also be registered for the conference by June 1.

We’re proud to welcome investigative journalism powerhouses Carol Leonnig and Hannah Natanson for a special keynote conv...
05/29/2026

We’re proud to welcome investigative journalism powerhouses Carol Leonnig and Hannah Natanson for a special keynote conversation on Friday, June 19 at IRE26.

Leonnig, senior investigative correspondent for MS NOW and former reporter for The Washington Post, helped uncover the National Security Agency’s expanded surveillance of Americans and is a five-time Pulitzer Prize winner.

Natanson, a narrative enterprise reporter for The Washington Post, was part of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team covering the Trump administration’s transformation of government and has earned a Peabody Award, Toner Prize and more.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation about investigative reporting, government accountability, navigating high-stakes reporting projects and the future of watchdog journalism.

Read more about the IRE26 keynote conversation here: https://bit.ly/4tCnZpD

At IRE26, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Institute for Independ...
05/29/2026

At IRE26, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Institute for Independent Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association for special programming designed to help journalists thrive — professionally, financially and personally.

The Institute for Independent Journalists will host a one-day Freelance Business Workshop focused on helping journalists build sustainable freelance careers. Attendees will learn practical strategies for strengthening their business, improving time management and marketing and pitching editors directly.

🗓️ June 19 | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET
📍 Ga***rd National Resort & Convention Center
🎟️ Free for IRE26 attendees
🎟️ Non-conference attendees: $79 before May 31. $99 after that. Lunch is included with registration.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4vcSJPc

We’re also teaming up with RTDNA for a leadership-focused series built for journalists navigating the realities of today’s industry — whether you lead a newsroom, manage projects or are simply trying to grow in a demanding profession.

Sessions include:
• Leading past crisis: change, culture and community
• Building blocks of leadership
• Beating burnout at its foundation
• Building the team: Where everyone wants to work and no one wants to leave
• AMA for high performers

Whether freelancing is part of your future or leadership is part of your next chapter, IRE26 has sessions built to support your growth. Check out the schedule: https://bit.ly/3PgsnNg

The IRE Investigative Managers of Color Task Force is building a strong, supportive community for editors and newsroom l...
05/29/2026

The IRE Investigative Managers of Color Task Force is building a strong, supportive community for editors and newsroom leaders of color working in investigative journalism.

Join the upcoming Zoom conversation to connect with peers, share experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities of leadership in today’s newsrooms.

This session will feature Ron Nixon, who will discuss his journey from reporter to newsroom leader and share insights on navigating leadership as a senior editor and manager of color.

Nixon most recently served as director of the Local Investigative Journalism Program at The Associated Press and previously held roles as Global Investigations Editor, Vice President of News and Head of Investigations. He also worked as a Washington correspondent for The New York Times.

Attend via Zoom: https://bit.ly/4ttoYZi

Video and Audio Journalists: IRE26 is for YOU! At IRE26, investigative storytelling goes far beyond print and digital. W...
05/28/2026

Video and Audio Journalists: IRE26 is for YOU!

At IRE26, investigative storytelling goes far beyond print and digital.

Whether you’re producing documentaries, streaming investigations, creating podcasts or shooting vertical video, the IRE26 Video + Audio Tracks are packed with practical sessions designed to sharpen your reporting.

📹 Video Track highlights include:

• From boring to blockbuster — Tricks and tools to elevate your visual storytelling
• The art of the interview
• Visual verification during breaking news
• Vertical video do’s and don’t’s
• Protecting your sources — video edition
• When video broke open ICE investigations
• Anatomy of an investigation: Behind the scenes of award-winning work
• 30 video ideas that work anywhere

🎧 Audio Track highlights include:

• Bringing data and records to life in audio
• Driveway moments: Crafting stories that stop listeners in their tracks
• Audio storytelling across languages and cultures
• Editing the investigative podcast
• Protecting yourself and sources in your raw tape
• So you wanna make a podcast
• Actors and AI in audio: What do we do?!

If you want to strengthen your investigative storytelling across platforms, IRE26 is where audio and video journalists can level up.

Check out the schedule: https://bit.ly/3PgsnNg

📍June 18–21 | National Harbor, Maryland

POV: You opened the IRE26 schedule and suddenly want to attend 12 sessions at the same time. 👀With hundreds of sessions,...
05/28/2026

POV: You opened the IRE26 schedule and suddenly want to attend 12 sessions at the same time. 👀

With hundreds of sessions, hands-on training opportunities and some of the best investigative journalists in the industry all in one place, now’s the time to start building your conference plan.

The IRE26 lineup includes:
- investigative deep-dives
- AI + journalism sessions
- data training
- FOIA/public records workshops
- storytelling strategy
- newsroom leadership conversations

Start building your schedule now: https://bit.ly/4wCu48B

What sessions are already on your must-attend list?

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109 Lee Hills Hall, 221 S 8th Street
Columbia, MO
65201

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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