Independent Journalist James O’Keefe Launches New Investigative Non-Profit

Washington, D.C. –  Americans now have a fresh set of eyes and ears checking the wrongdoing of politicians and institutions with the launch of Project Veritas. Founded by the entrepreneurial journalist and filmmaker behind the ACORN undercover videos, James O’Keefe is building a multitude of investigative reporters who will expose the waste, fraud and abuse of power that permeates government.

“The creation of Project Veritas comes at a critical time in the journalism industry, when cold-hard facts are being replaced with recycled partisan talking points,” said James O’Keefe founder of Project Veritas.

“We don’t intend to advocate specific solutions to issues, our purpose is the discovery and exposition of the truth.” Project Vertias, when fully staffed, will have 10 staffers to help with research, filming and production. Soon, Project Veritas will begin to produce and release more explosive investigations online, driving these stories into the consciousness of the public and lawmakers. In addition, the group will identify and nurture promising undercover journalists by supporting their work through training workshops, networking opportunities, production assistance, and video promotions.

The most important aspect of Project Veritas is the free, legal assistance for when and if Veritas journalists’ hard-hitting stories land them in court. “I am very excited to start an organization that is beyond me, where I can help other people investigative their local government with the click of a camera. The power of hidden camera gives anyone, from a student, mom to a steelworker, credibility to stand up to power and expose corruption.”

Another important aspect of Project Veritas is the free, legal assistance for when and if Veritas journalists’ hard-hitting stories land them in court. “Because of the inevitable frivolous lawsuits that will happen, we need robust legal resources to ensure that our work is not impeded.” Given the projected six percent decline of journalism jobs by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the accessibility of broadcast tools, Project Veritas will be especially necessary in the coming years. Project Veritas serves as a crucial part of the “fourth estate” in providing a substantive check on government excess, something that traditional media has lacked.

“With fewer watchdogs, the boom of online media tools and distrust in government at an all-time high, we are using the current environment as an opportunity to resurrect investigative journalism,” said O’Keefe. Project Veritas started based on the wide success of O’Keefe’s 2009 ACORN investigations. The investigations revealed ACORN employees across the country advising O’Keefe on tax evasion, human smuggling and child prostitution. As a result, Congress stopped funding ACORN and, ultimately, ACORN shutdown.