The Baltimore Sun announced Monday that it will join FOX45’s investigative journalism initiative “Spotlight on Maryland,” which focuses on holding public officials accountable and promoting transparency in the use of public resources.
Through this partnership, journalists will investigate how taxpayer money is spent. The Sun and FOX45 said they also plan to produce stories highlighting the region’s successes and identifying solutions to the challenges facing Maryland communities. Spotlight on Maryland will be the largest investigative journalism collaboration in the Mid-Atlantic region, the organizations said.
“Our readers and viewers rely on us to deliver credible, unbiased reporting that holds the powerful accountable,” said Trif Alatzas, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Sun. “This partnership strengthens our shared mission to advocate for Maryland residents, protect taxpayer dollars and ensure government actions are aligned with the best interests of the people.”
The Sun and FOX45, which launched Spotlight on Maryland last month, will share resources to produce in-depth stories that matter to Maryland and the Baltimore region through this new partnership.
“The Fourth Estate must provide citizens with important information they can use to check government power,” said Scott Livingston, senior vice president of news for Sinclair Inc, owner of FOX45. “This initiative will continue the WBFF’s legacy of unique reporting in underutilized arenas and drive much-needed public engagement on government abuses.”
The Sun has won many national and regional awards, including sixteen Pulitzer Prizes – journalism’s highest honor. The news organization recently earned a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting for its coverage of former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and her business dealings with the University of Maryland Medical System, which ultimately led her to leave office.
“Following the money” – especially taxpayers’ money – is one of the best tools journalists have for exposing waste, fraud and abuse,” said Tricia Bishop, editor-in-chief of The Sun. “Spotlight on Maryland should provide The Sun with more resources to continue this critical work and better serve our readers and our communities.”
Do you have a news tip? Contact Frank Gluck at fgluck@baltsun.com or at X at @FrankGluck.
