• by Melynda Fuller , September 4, 2018

Rich investigative journalism has always been an imperative piece of the public landscape. Unfortunately, recent years have shown a precipitous decline in its funding.

Bucking the trend, last week USA Today announced it would triple the size of its investigative team to more than 20 reporters and editors.

As part of the expansion, the publication has tapped key talent to lead its investigative team, including The Center for Investigative Reporting’s (CIR) editor in chief Amy Pyle. Pyle will join as the editor of the division.

In her role, Pyle will lead a team tasked with producing stories of national importance. The team will also expand coverage following breaking news events.

During Pyle’s tenure at CIR, she established a fellowship program to aid aspiring investigative journalists of color. She also launched Reveal Local Labs, which supports collaboration between journalism communities across the country that are focused on watchdog reporting.

Also, two CIR reporters were nominated for Pulitzer Prizes for a story about court-ordered drug rehab programs called “All Work. No Pay.”

Previously, Pyle held positions at The Sacramento Bee and the Los Angeles Times.

In addition to Pyle’s appointment, the USA Today Network hired Matthew Doig as Network investigations editor. Doig works with reporters across the nation at local publications held by the Network to promote and support investigative work.

Before coming to the USA Today Network, Doig was an editor at the Los Angeles Times, the Seattle Times, Newsday, The Information and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He has worked as an investigative reporter and was nominated for a Pulitzer for Public Service for pieces appearing in Newsday and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The USA Today Network focuses on investigative pieces as part of its larger editorial direction. Its team has produced stories such as the difficult lives of truck drivers and how companies like Target, Home Depot and other retailers create tough environments, as well as the rise in deaths of new mothers, given a lack of basic hospital-care standards.