Media Confidential The investigative journalists resisting legal threats
Dec 8, 2025
Franz Wild, Editor-in-chief and CEO of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, dives into the crucial role of accountability journalism. He highlights how investigative stories can take years to develop and why they attract dedicated individuals. Franz reveals the challenges of funding and the daunting legal threats faced by journalists, sharing a gripping tale of receiving 13 legal threats from different lawyers. His passion for editorial independence shines as he discusses the significance of collaborative efforts in uncovering the truth and the ongoing battle against intimidation.
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Why The Bureau Was Founded
- The Bureau exists because mainstream news couldn't afford long, rigorous investigations that carry legal risk and long timelines.
- Franz Wild says investigative work finds new information and drives accountability in ways short-form news cannot.
Use Independent Fact‑Checking
- Build rigorous pre-publication systems: independent fact-checking and legal review protect investigations.
- Franz Wild says those systems let the Bureau focus on finding new information rather than recycling opinions.
Five-Year Thurrock Investigation
- The Thurrock council investigation began in 2019 and took five years of persistent reporting to prompt an SFO probe this year.
- Franz Wild highlights that staying on a story long-term produced eventual official action.