The Intercept

The Intercept. It is an American nonprofit news organization founded in 2014 by journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill. The outlet was initially created to provide a platform for reporting on the documents provided by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. It has since expanded its investigative focus to include surveillance, social justice, foreign policy, and corporate power, often adopting an adversarial stance toward established political and media institutions.

History and founding

The organization was launched in February 2014 by First Look Media, a company founded by eBay billionaire Pierre Omidyar. Its creation was a direct response to the global surveillance disclosures beginning in 2013, with the founding journalists having played key roles in publishing the material from Edward Snowden. The initial editorial team included veterans from outlets like The Guardian and The Nation, aiming to build a publication dedicated to fearless, adversarial journalism. Early operations were based in New York City, with a significant digital-first strategy. The relationship with First Look Media evolved over time, and it later became an independent nonprofit in 2023, a move intended to secure its long-term financial and editorial independence.

Editorial stance and controversies

It maintains a strongly critical editorial posture toward institutions of power, including the United States government, the intelligence community, and the Democratic Party, while also frequently critiquing mainstream media coverage. This stance has generated significant controversy, particularly regarding its coverage of Russia and allegations of bias. A major internal crisis occurred in 2020 following the publication of an article about Joe Biden that led to the resignation of senior editor Betsy Reed's predecessor. The outlet has also faced criticism from some progressive circles for its skeptical coverage of the Mueller investigation and for publishing writings by commentators like Taibbi. These episodes have sparked intense debate about journalistic ethics and the limits of adversarial reporting.

Notable reporting and investigations

Its journalists have produced a substantial body of impactful investigative work. The foundation of its reputation was built on the Snowden revelations, detailing vast surveillance programs by the NSA and its Five Eyes allies. Subsequent major investigations include the "Drone Papers" series, which exposed the inner workings of the U.S. military's targeted killing program, and "The FBI's Secret Rules," which unveiled the agency's hidden investigative procedures. Reporters like James Risen have covered national security, while others have conducted deep investigations into local issues, such as police violence in Chicago and environmental racism. Its reporting has frequently forced official responses and sparked congressional inquiries.

Business model and funding

Originally funded by Pierre Omidyar's First Look Media, it transitioned to a reader-supported nonprofit model. This shift was finalized in 2023, with the organization now operating under its own 501(c)(3) status. Primary funding sources include member donations, major philanthropic gifts from foundations, and grants. It does not feature traditional advertising on its website, a choice aligned with its mission to avoid corporate influence. The move to nonprofit independence was presented as a strategy to ensure stability and shield its journalism from the commercial pressures affecting much of the digital media industry.

Impact and recognition

The work of its journalists has had a demonstrable impact on public policy and media discourse. Its early reporting on NSA surveillance contributed to the passage of the USA Freedom Act and fueled a global debate on privacy. Investigations into war crimes and drone strikes have informed debates in the United Nations and the U.S. Congress. The outlet and its staff have received numerous prestigious awards, including the George Polk Award, the Izzy Award, and the Online Journalism Award. Despite its relatively small size, it is consistently cited by major publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post and has influenced the trajectory of investigative journalism in the digital age.

Category:American news websites Category:Nonprofit organizations based in New York City Category:Publications established in 2014