IRE 50th Anniversary Gala raises record $1.5 million for journalism training

(September 18, 2025) — Investigative Reporters and Editors hosted a star-studded 50th Anniversary Gala in New York City this week, bringing together the industry’s biggest trailblazers and raising more than $1.5 million for the grassroots nonprofit.

With donations from $50 to $150,000, and the support of major funders including the ProPublica Board of Directors and the Knight Foundation, it is the largest amount raised through a single event in IRE history.

“We are grateful for the generosity of everyone who donated,” said IRE Executive Director Diana Fuentes. “With the help of all involved, we are looking forward to the next 50 years of training and supporting journalists at all levels to ensure a free press, the foundation of democracy.”

The gala, held at Gotham Hall, celebrated the founding of IRE and the evolution of investigative journalism — from the explosion of watchdog reporting during Watergate to modern-day collaborations that have sparked cultural reckonings and inspired major movements. Esteemed industry leaders Paul Sagan, A.G. Sulzberger and Judy Woodruff chaired the event.

“Reporting, which is really about the best obtainable version of the truth, is what we need more of,” said Carl Bernstein, one of the evening’s honorees. “IRE is an organization that was founded on that principle. We need more – and better reporting — now more than ever.”

Along with several titans of journalism, IRE recognized acclaimed actor and director Michael Keaton with the organization’s first Champion of Investigative Journalism Award. 

Keaton, a staunch press freedom advocate, has shown the value of investigative journalism through his portrayal of editors in films like “The Paper" and “Spotlight." Sacha Pfeiffer, who was a reporter on the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team, presented Keaton with the award. 

“When Hollywood takes on journalism topics, that supercharges our reach,” Pfeiffer said. “Spotlight and Michael’s acting showed the world the kind of determination and digging and backbone and sometimes tedium that is required to confront power. And Michael used his reach and power to champion our work in a very public way, and we’re very grateful for that.”

"I've had the opportunity to inhabit a lot of roles from the safety of a film set. That's easy," Keaton said. "You've committed your lives to the pursuit of the truth in the face of personal sacrifice and often danger.

While the night was celebratory, there were solemn reminders of the precarious state of democracy in the United States and around the world. Host Scott Pelley, 60 Minutes Correspondent, got the evening started with a jolting declaration:

“There is no democracy without journalism, and we gather in a dark moment in which freedom of speech and of the press are under assault — chilled by extortion, bound with handcuffs and silenced with bullets,” Pelley said, adding, at one point, there is “blood on the First Amendment.”

Sulzberger, publisher of The New York Times, spoke about countries with “anti-press playbooks” and the similar tactics being used in the United States. He encouraged journalists in the room to continue reporting “without fear or favor,” a popular Times motto.

“Following the facts and reporting the truth are not partisan acts,” Sulzberger said. “They do not make journalists the opposition. In that spirit journalists should not let themselves be baited into acting as such, whether through jeers or cheers. Instead let’s continue to ask the tough questions and bring the public the information it needs — fully, fairly, and independently.”

Woodruff, senior correspondent of the PBS News Hour, spoke about mass cuts to public media and the dire need to preserve local news.

“We know that in some communities, there are no other news organizations. We know that when that happens, lawbreaking and corruption flourish,” Woodruff said. “Solid, local news is essential for our democracy.”

While there are major donors and organizations investing in local newsrooms across the country, Paul Sagan, chair of ProPublica, noted the need for more.  

"It's my hope someday that everyone will agree that in a healthy, vibrant community, supporting news organizations with generous philanthropy is vital; that it is as important and normal as donating to the local community hospital, the symphony, the art museum, or your favorite educational institution,” Sagan said. “But while that support is necessary it is not sufficient. Journalists in these not-for-profit newsrooms need training and mentorship. That's where IRE comes in.”

IRE’s many training programs and resources ensure all journalists can get the skills needed to become stronger watchdogs in their communities. Since the organization’s humble beginnings in 1975, it has flourished to become the largest journalist organization based in the United States.

The funds raised at the 50th Anniversary Gala, the first such event in the organization’s history, will help carry the torch for the next generation of watchdog journalists.

"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our remarkable 50th Anniversary Task Force — especially its co-chairs, David Boardman and Tisha Thompson, along with IRE Board Chair Brian Rosenthal — for their unwavering dedication and leadership in making this gala a resounding success,” said IRE Board President Josh Hinkle. 

“Their vision and commitment helped raise significant funds that will empower our members with the training and resources they need to navigate these challenging times,” Hinkle added. “Together, we are ensuring a stronger future for investigative journalism and the vital role it plays in our society."

IRE, a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to providing training, resources and a safe forum for journalists, is the largest journalism organization based in the United States with nearly 5,000 members. To support our work, make a donation online.