The nonprofit, nonpartisan Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism—funded by a founding gift from alumnus Michael Arnolt, BA’67, and based in The Media School at IU Bloomington—conducts multimedia investigative reporting on issues of importance to the residents of Indiana, including matters that reach beyond the state’s borders. The center’s work is available at no cost to local, regional, and national news outlets and seeks to supplement their reporting. Reporting is conducted by master’s and undergraduate students, providing them with an opportunity to learn in a real-world setting.

The center produces investigative journalism with three main goals:

1. Train the next generation of investigative reporters.
2. Function as a working newsroom that also serves as a laboratory in the latest techniques of investigative journalism.
3. Preserve investigative journalism and increase the frequency of in-depth reporting in Indiana.

The following language is reflected in the center’s charter, guaranteeing its editorial independence from The Media School and from Indiana University:

“So as to guarantee the journalistic integrity of the activities of the Center, the Donor and Indiana University understand that the Center shall be fully free and independent with respect to journalistic and editorial decisions. Journalistic decisions, based on the principles of Freedom of the Press, shall rest with the director of the Center.”

Thank you for helping us train the next generation of investigative journalists and provide outstanding reporting on issues that affect the public good.

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.