Investigations that exposed major abuses and wrongdoing by law enforcement agencies and the failure of government to protect society’s most vulnerable members are among the work honored in the 2011 Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards.

Covering 15 categories across several media platforms and a range of market sizes, the IRE Awards recognize the most outstanding watchdog journalism of the year. The contest, which began in 1979, received over 430 entries this year. 

“Despite devastating cutbacks across the news business, investigative reporting is alive and well, and really making a difference in our society,” said Lea Thompson, contest committee co-chairwoman ...

Don't forget to submit your best investigative reporting to the 2011 IRE Awards contest. The postmark deadline is January 13th, 2012.

2011 marked the 33rd year for the IRE Awards, which honor the best in investigative reporting in all types of media. This year, to better reflect the evolving nature of the industry, and the challenges inherent in the categories as they existed, we have restructured the categories for our awards.

For more information on how we've changed or for details on how to enter, click here.