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IRE is an important organization for me. That’s because of its mission to provide training, resources and a sense of community to investigative journalists – something I think about a lot as a newsroom manager of local TV station KXAN and educator at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. It’s been an honor for me to serve on IRE’s board the past two years, and I’d love to continue the work I’ve started here.
Since joining the board, I’ve chaired IRE’s first-ever training committee, which is tasked with examining training opportunities for the organization. I’ve worked with an outstanding group of investigative journalists from a variety of backgrounds to shape this committee’s work regarding local journalism, inclusivity/representation, advanced training for longtime members, digital/hybrid opportunities, and diversity resources – including exploring college curriculum supplements for minority-serving institutions. These areas of focus led to exciting training initiatives, like an upcoming low-cost watchdog workshop for local journalists in underserved areas and students at a Hispanic-serving university, a web collection of diversity and accessibility support to be launched in conjunction with IRE’s digital-only AccessFest, and a closer look at training for more experienced members, including launching a master class (and corresponding engagement network) for investigative managers and editors – which will be held for the third time at this summer’s IRE Conference.
I’ve worked to improve diversity, equity and inclusion when recruiting members to the committees I’ve led. We must consider race, ethnicity and gender as well as size, type and location of workplaces, along with culture, class, disability, sexual orientation and identity. I’ve encouraged the board to include those points in its decisions. When I first campaigned for the board, I said this organization should be welcoming and inclusive – a place where anyone can have a seat at the table. Today, as an out gay journalist, I know this still isn’t what always happens in our industry. But the decisions our leaders make have the power to bring about real change.
I’ve helped lead LGBTQ+ networking sessions at our annual conferences, written for the IRE Journal about the board’s obligations to this community, and recently led the executive committee’s efforts to draft a public statement reaffirming IRE’s commitment to serving and supporting all members and “maintaining a safe, discrimination-free organization where everyone can learn and be supported professionally.” The latter came as hundreds of our members prepared to gather at the 2023 NICAR Conference in Tennessee – where state leaders had just passed legislation banning certain drag performances and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, drawing safety concerns from some of our members. The statement said: “IRE should be a space for all members to thrive.” I truly believe that and want to build on my work to solidify that for the future.
Josh Hinkle IRE Board Candidacy Statement from Josh Hinkle on Vimeo.
Mc Nelly Torres, Center for Public Integrity: Since Josh Hinkle was elected to the IRE board two years ago, he has worked to increase the pool of diverse people on committees including the training committee, helped create a master class for managers and built support for our LGBTQ+ members. Hinkle seeks feedback and help from long-time members because he values their knowledge and experience. And he understands that diversity and inclusion make IRE stronger. Josh is a hard worker and that's what IRE needs: leaders who are willing to get their hands dirty, listen to members and show commitment to the work. That's what leadership is all about. For this and more, I proudly nominate Josh as a candidate for the IRE Board.
Nicole Vap, CBS Innovation Lab: It is my honor to nominate Josh Hinkle for a second term on the IRE Board of Directors. Josh works hard and smart for IRE. His goals match the organization and his passion for IRE is contagious. It can take time to find footing on the board, but Josh jumped right in during his first term. He’s led IRE’s first training committee to more intentionally direct training outside of the conferences. His determination to increase diversity and inclusion is more than lip service, for him it’s personal. Josh strives for inclusion at IRE, in his career and with his every interaction. I know the incredible commitment board members make (having served myself for 6 years), and Josh has shown a dedication to serving the IRE membership in his first two years that few can match. I feel confident in IRE’s future with board members like Josh leading the way.
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