Expanding watchdog journalism: Oregon newsrooms unite for investigative reporting

I’ve been on a two-year journey to determine how to expand the investigative, watchdog and explanatory journalism we do in Portland to the rest of the state, which is filled with news deserts. We will work with local reporters and, in some cases, embed our reporters in newsrooms. They have their hands on great stories but don’t have the resources or time to cover them.”

Mark Zusman, editor and co-owner, Willamette Week and founder of the Oregon Journalism Project

Local news outlets in Oregon and nationwide are adding new revenue streams and digital tools to survive and grow, but excellent reporting still drives their success. Although Oregon newsrooms would like to include in-depth investigative reporting, many don’t have the resources. Mark Zusman, editor and co-owner of Willamette Week, Portland’s alternative newspaper, decided to change that situation.

With the backing of an exceptional board of directors and support from generous funding sources, he launched the Oregon Journalism Project (OJP) in fall 2024. Its mission is more investigative reporting from a highly regarded team of journalists on issues important to all Oregonians. All the OJP’s reporting will be available at no cost to a network of local Oregon publications — currently numbering 25.

“I’ve been on a two-year journey to determine how to expand the investigative, watchdog and explanatory journalism we do in Portland to the rest of the state, which is filled with news deserts. We will work with local reporters and, in some cases, embed our reporters in newsrooms. They have their hands on great stories but don’t have the resources or time to cover them,” Zusman said.

OJP is launching with an outstanding team of investigative reporters. Nigel Jaquiss is the most decorated journalist in Oregon history and has worked with Zusman at Willamette Week for many years. Kate Yeiser is a senior reporter and has been an investigative reporter for regional and state newspapers. Jeff Manning, who was retired after 30 years at The Oregonian/Oregon Live, joined as senior contributor. Lucas Manfield will be the senior reporter covering health care. Tito Crafts is the development manager focused on fundraising.

The prestige of the OJP staff continues to grow. In early December, Zusman announced that James Neff, the award-winning deputy managing editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer and former investigations editor at The Seattle Times, would become the managing editor and report and write investigative pieces.

“The response has been great. I am overwhelmed with the quality of my board members, both in terms of their journalistic heft and civic leadership. We had a wonderful fundraiser in early November 2024 with approximately 200 people in attendance. Nick Kristof, columnist for The New York Times, and Kim Strassel, a senior editor at The Wall Street Journal — both Oregon natives — discussed politics and the importance of local journalism,” Zusman said.

The soon-to-be-launched Lookout Eugene-Springfield (Oregon) news outlet is one of OJP’s publication partners. It is the second of the Lookout network of community news platforms founded by Ken Doctor, a veteran journalist and newspaper executive. Lookout Santa Cruz (California) was the first Lookout news outlet. It launched in November 2020, and after forty years, the Lookout model has been so successful that it is the blueprint for Lookout Eugene-Springfield.

Ken Doctor, CEO, Lookout Local, Inc.

“We’ve been planning Lookout Eugene-Springfield for approximately a year. I’ve known Mark Zusman for more than 40 years. When I learned about him organizing the Oregon Journalism Project and that it coincided with our new news outlet, it made sense for us to work together,” Doctor said.

Lookout Eugene-Springfield will have a staff of 15. Some have been hired, but Doctor says he is still looking for experienced journalists — especially those with Northwest experience. (Those positions are listed on Editor & Publisher's Media Job Board.)

“I encourage anyone to launch a similar project in their state. First, raise money in your state before seeking national funding. They want to see local support before they write a big check. Second, have a clear focus. OJP is focused on a specific area of need in Oregon: investigative reporting,” Zusman said.

Bob Sillick has held many senior positions and served a myriad of clients during his 47 years in marketing and advertising. He has been a freelance/contract content researcher, writer, editor and manager since 2010.  He can be reached at bobsillick@gmail.com.