inewsource
U.S. center-left
Background
inewsource was founded in the summer of 2009 by Lorie Hearn, a longtime San Diego Union-Tribune reporter and editor, amid widespread layoffs at traditional newspapers during the financial crisis. It launched under the name Watchdog Institute, housed inside San Diego State University's School of Journalism & Media Studies. In 2011 the organization rebranded as Investigative Newsource and then shortened its name to inewsource, signaling a shift away from its academic roots toward an independent newsroom identity. That same period brought a pivotal partnership with KPBS — San Diego's combined NPR and PBS affiliate — giving inewsource reporters desk space in the KPBS newsroom and a broadcast distribution channel. The outlet incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has since relied on foundation grants, including support from the American Journalism Project, and individual donations. It participates in Report for America, a national service program that places emerging journalists in local newsrooms. inewsource is a member of the Trust Project, a consortium of news organizations that publish transparency indicators. Its editorial focus is accountability and data journalism, and its coverage of federal policy has consistently emphasized potential harm to immigrant communities, public health programs, and California state finances — a framing that places it in the tradition of public-interest journalism typical of the nonprofit, public-media ecosystem.
Sources
- Our Mission & Values – inewsource
- Standards and Financials – inewsource
- inewsource – American Journalism Project
- inewsource – Report for America
- San Diego Investigative News – The Trust Project
- KPBS and Investigative Newsource Expand Partnership – KPBS
- Watchdog Institute changes name to Investigative Newsource – inewsource
- Cold, Hard Facts to Cold, Hard Cash – Nieman Reports
- How Trump's immigration plan could impact San Diego in 2026 – inewsource
- How Trump's budget will change health care in California – inewsource
Profile compiled 2026-08-21; refreshed when ownership, funding, or the administration changes.