Jane Mayer

Jane Mayer. An American investigative journalist and author renowned for her in-depth reporting on American politics, money in politics, and national security. A staff writer for The New Yorker since 1995, she is celebrated for her rigorous exposés on powerful figures and institutions, including the Koch family and the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques. Her work has earned major accolades such as the Goldsmith Book Prize and the Ridenhour Prize.

Early life and education

Born in New York City, Mayer was raised in a family with journalistic ties; her father was a public relations executive for The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She attended the Fieldston School in Riverdale before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University. As a Marshall Scholarship recipient, she subsequently studied at Wolfson College, Oxford, focusing on 20th-century history.

Career

Mayer began her professional career at the CBS News network in Washington, D.C., working as a field producer. She then joined the Wall Street Journal in 1982, where she served in various roles including White House correspondent during the administration of George H. W. Bush. In 1995, she moved to The New Yorker, where her long-form investigative pieces have become a hallmark of the magazine. She has also contributed to publications like the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

Investigative journalism

Mayer's investigative work is characterized by meticulous documentation of political power and its consequences. Her 2008 book, The Dark Side, co-authored with Dana Priest, provided a critical account of the War on Terror, detailing the development of the CIA's extraordinary rendition program and the legal justifications provided by figures like John Yoo. Her 2016 bestseller, Dark Money, traced the influence of libertarian donors, particularly Charles Koch and David Koch, on American conservatism and the Republican Party, examining networks like the American Legislative Exchange Council. Her reporting for The New Yorker has exposed controversies surrounding figures such as Brett Kavanaugh and Harvey Weinstein.

Awards and recognition

Mayer has received numerous prestigious awards for her journalism and authorship. The Dark Side won the Goldsmith Book Prize from the Shorenstein Center at Harvard University. For Dark Money, she was a finalist for the National Book Award and received the Ridenhour Prize for Truth-Telling. She has also been honored with the Hillman Prize for magazine journalism, the John Chancellor Award, and the George Polk Award. In 2021, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal life

Mayer is married to William B. Hamilton, a former editor at The Washington Post. They reside in Washington, D.C.. She maintains a professional focus on investigative reporting and is known for her collaborative work with other prominent journalists at The New Yorker.

Selected works

* The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals (2008) with Dana Priest * Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas (1994) with Jill Abramson * Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right (2016) Category:American investigative journalists Category:The New Yorker staff writers Category:1955 births