The George Polk Awards in Journalism have been described by one journalist as “one of only a couple of journalism prizes that means anything.” The Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan investigative news organization that just won the 2013 Polk Award for business reporting, is deserving of such a prestigious honor.

 

The Polk Awards are annually given to recognize journalism that “places a premium on investigative and enterprise work that is original, requires digging and resourcefulness, and brings results.” That description most certainly applies to “After the Meltdown,” CPI’s 4-part series on the consequences (and lack thereof) faced by many of the Wall Street titans responsible for the 2008 financial crisis. “After the Meltdown,” by CPI reporters Alison Fitzgerald, Dan Wagner and John Dunbar, was an exhaustive analysis of the financial crisis and made it clear that Washington has failed to hold Wall Street accountable.

 

The CPI is committed to investigative reporting that knows no fear or favor, and the Polk Award is the latest highlight for the important work CPI does. Fortunately for anyone interested in holding Wall Street, and Washington, accountable, their work continues. Go read it now.