Raycom Media today debuted InvestigateTV, an OTT app designed to deliver “quality, impactful on-demand journalism content to viewers.”
Raycom Media President-CEO Pat LaPlatney made the announcement at the annual Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) conference in Orlando, Fla.
InvestigateTV is the result of a collaboration involving a local broadcaster, a nonprofit newsroom and a top journalism school, all invested in the importance of quality investigative work. The app will showcase longer-form reporting from Raycom Media as well as a select group of partners including ProPublica, News21 at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism and NerdWallet.
InvestigateTV is available now on Roku and will be released to other digital streaming services soon.
“We know viewers are interested in meaningful investigations that dig deeper into issues they face in their everyday lives,” said LaPlatney. “We are thrilled to offer Investigate TV, a place to highlight the tremendous efforts of our Raycom Media National Investigative Unit and our outstanding content partners. This gives us the ability to aggregate investigative materials, including stories that our local stations generate. Then it is bundled into one, easy, on-demand viewing experience.”
In addition, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is investing $188,000 in Pulitzer Prize-winning ProPublica, so that the nonprofit news organization can collaborate with Raycom Media in producing original investigative reporting for InvestigateTV.
“We are thrilled to expand ProPublica’s video journalism into new platforms through this exciting partnership with Raycom Media,” said Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica editor-in-chief. “We look forward to reaching new audiences, bringing greater attention to our investigations, and heightening our ability to spur impact.”
InvestigateTV highlights in-depth stories that matter most to viewers. Raycom Media Chief Investigative Reporter Lee Zurik says the InvestigateTV team is both a watchdog and a resource for consumers.
“We hold public officials accountable. Stories from Raycom Media's award-winning journalists and partners focus on government corruption, corporate greed, and healthcare,” said Zurik. “Our consumer-focused journalism gives viewers practical tips to save money on everything from cable bills to prescriptions.”
