The Grade: "Confessions of a Former Accountability Purist"

Journalists typically think about accountability in a very particular way: Build outrage and/or pressure around bad behavior, and things will change. But that view is limiting, leaving journalists constantly chasing what’s wrong. But often, outrage isn't the issue. Instead, people are plenty outraged, yet feel a problem isn’t solvable.

Former SJN-er Matthew Kauffman recently wrote for The Grade about his journey from the traditional watchdog reporter role to one informed by investigating solutions and positive deviants in data, though no less dedicated to accountability. He traces his path from the “perverse badges of honor” offered by investigative work and lays out the power of using your investigative skills to cover what's working.