–Life as a Pulitzer Prize Awarded Investigative Journalist–
For as long as time, the gathering, consolidating and holding of power has always involved the management of information. Let’s face it, that element by far, is the central determinant in an individual, institution or government holding authority or having it crumble away.
We see this truism in action on a near daily basis through global news headlines which reveal the latest exposés, coverups and the like pertaining to individuals and organizations that have run afoul in trying to manage information in a disingenuous manner.
On the other hand, the purity of truth, its value, worth and the seeking of it has always represented a certain higher ideal and in effect a light aimed at exposing hidden darkness or deceit.
Now, for all of the wondrous joys the twenty-first century has brought upon us, the fight for truth has never been greater. Tools and mechanisms aimed at subterfuge and in effect the preservation of power have made this a compelling time in human history as far as the quest for verity
In noting the above and its significance, fortunately there are disciplines and individuals devoted toward pursuing truths no matter the costs.
Welcome to the world of investigative journalism. On today’s show, listeners will be treated to an unfettered look into this profession as far as all that it represents from one of the most highly respected and decorated professionals in the industry.
Introducing
Margot Williams is the Research Editor for Investigations at The Intercept an esteemed and awarded non-profit news organization which has been responsible for the exposing of some of the biggest leaks and truths this past century.
As an investigative journalist, Margot herself has been involved in several projects that were leaks of classified or sensitive business information, including the Snowden documents
Professional Background
Her career has spanned time at the Washington Post, New York Times, NPR, and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists—with the latter being one of the most respected organizations in the investigative reporting world. Margot has literally seen it all.
Accomplishment
Further, she was a member of two Washington Post Pulitzer Prize-winning teams, for a 1998 investigation of D.C. police shootings of civilians and then again in 2001 for national coverage of terrorism.
Margot has come to distinguish herself as a formidable powerhouse of investigative journalism skill, knowledge and wisdom. Her almost innate ability to lay bare truths is evidenced in high profile investigations not limited to her work in the tracking of jihadis online and detainees who died in U.S. immigration detention, investigations of Iraq war contractors, and the following of money (and private jets) of mayors, governors, senators, presidential candidates, and ex-presidents.
Margot also compiled the first list of the Guantánamo detainees — years before their names were made public — and created the comprehensive Guantánamo database on the Times website. In 2011, she analyzed the Guantánamo documents leaked by Chelsea Manning for NPR and the New York Times.
Based on all of this and more, her graduate school, the Pratt Institute, awarded her its Alumni Achievement Award in 2018.
Reasons to Listen
This is a rare peek into the world of an investigative journalist via a guest who has been excelling in this field for years.
The conversation covers a wide array of topics not limited to an unlikely origin story, the exploration of some of the finer distinctions of the job, as well as philosophical looks at what the work has come to represent what it continues to mean to her.
Finally, notions of how the industry is evolving are also thoroughly discussed.
This talk will surely appeal to anyone with an interest in the field, or to young investigative journalists looking for extra insights to help them on their own professional development journey.
Finally, I might add that this is also an incredibly accessible conversation that will appeal to anyone looking to pique their own curiosity about this fascinating profession.
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“Long before social media and all the talk of disinformation and misinformation, I felt and made an effort to look behind what the conventional wisdom was concerning the press releases that come from media offices; the things that are put out by government agencies that are telling you what’s happening. In my mind, it was always about who said this and what is the truth behind that, what is not being told. And when we are told things are secret, my personality is that I don’t believe that. My attitude shifts to finding out what the truth actually is.”
-Margot Williams
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Margot as she shares advice to those with an interest in potentially becoming an investigative journalist.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Margot and her work, you can find out more about it all at The Intercept, where she is the current research editor. Further you can find her via these social platforms:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
