Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc

IRE strives to empower all reporters to be watchdog reporters -- not just journalists who work on newspaper project desk or TV I-teams. Every beat, every department, every type of news can benefit from a deeper understanding of public records, data, documents and investigative techniques in interviewing and storytelling. IRE aims to empower and equip more journalists to serve as effective watchdogs in their communities.

IRE has worked to diversify its revenue stream so that its work can continue to meet the changing needs of newsrooms and news organizations. Through a blend of membership fees, conference and training registrations, foundation support and an endowment, IRE has positioned itself to be a sustainable organization since 1975. IRE employs full-time trainers who travel the country to conduct workshops and training in newsrooms. This enables the IRE team to keep its finger on the pulse of evolving needs and opportunities in newsrooms. With more than 5,500 members, IRE has a strong stable of talented volunteer speakers and trainers who supplement the full-time staff.

In recent years, IRE staff has been restructured to meet emerging needs and to remain nimble in responding to the changing news landscape. IRE created a new position, director of partnerships, to improve relationships with donors, foundations, newsrooms and other collaborators. This position already has helped IRE widen its bandwidth to provide more workshops and training. IRE has attracted highly qualified trainers and other staff members, who work hard to maintain the organization's high standards and reputation for stellar training and resources.

IRE is attracting larger crowds at its national conferences. During the past five years, attendance has jumped by more than 50 percent at both national conferences. In addition, larger numbers of journalists and students have attended regional workshops. Fundraising is reaching record levels, as IRE works with individuals and foundations to support the critical work of training and supporting investigative journalists.