the.com/fearless reporting
journalism that annoys the powerful equally, on purpose, every time.
means reporting done regardless of who gets angry, sued, or in trouble, because the facts outrank the fallout.
from the phrase gained branding power in the 20th century as papers and outlets used it to distinguish themselves from access journalism, where reporters protect sources of power instead of exposing them.
often self-declaredoutlets that say it loudest aren't always bravest.
costs moneylegal fees for real fearless reporting can bankrupt small outlets.
fear is the pointthe term only means something when consequences are real.
for instance
panama papers — 2016, 400+ journalists exposed offshore wealth of world leaders.
anna politkovskaya — russian reporter assassinated in 2006 after covering chechen war abuses.
watergate coverage — woodward and bernstein, 1972-74, brought down a sitting president.