Boston University yesterday launched the New England Centre for Investigative Reporting. The Centre is a university based, not for profit multimedia collaborative that aims to breathe life back into investigative journalism, which 'has become a luxury rather than a necessity in too many newsrooms' explains college Dean Tom Fiedler.

In association with the Boston Globe, Boston.com, New England Cable News, WBUR-FM and New England Ethnic News, the NECIR will provide assistance to all afore mentioned partners in getting investigative journalism back into their newsrooms, produce in-depth multi-platform investigative news reports and experiment with effective ways to produce investigative community reports online.

The Centre's focus on investigative journalism comes at a time when investigative reports are increasingly absent in the journalistic world, due to tightening budgets and financial strain. Using Boston Uni's journalists is an inexpensive alternative to full-time investigative reporters and an apparently win-win situation - the students gain valuable experience whilst the Centre's partners gain the investigative reports that they are currently so lacking.

Source: Boston University