Author

Morton Mintz

Morton Mintz, a 1964 Nieman Fellow, is a senior advisor and frequent contributor to the Nieman Foundation’s Watchdog Project. During his 30 years as a reporter at The Washington Post, he broke the thalidomide story in 1962 and then went on to report extensively on unsafe and ineffective medicines and medical devices, including the disastrous Dalkon Shield IUD.

Morton Mintz, NF ’64

An investigative reporter for The Washington Post, Mintz broke the story of the birth defects associated with thalidomide I owe to Louis Lyons the marvelous experience of a Nieman year.…

September 24, 2013

Murrey Marder, a “Steady and Wise Watchdog”

Morton Mintz, a 1964 Nieman Fellow, who worked at The Washington Post with Murrey Marder for many years offered this remembrance of Marder, who died March 11 at the age…

What Happens When No One Is Watching?

When Congress relinquishes its oversight role of the Food and Drug Administration, the press reduces its watchdog role when it comes to drug safety.

Intimidation and Convictions of Journalists

Journalist Robert Shelton told a 1950’s Senate subcommittee it was ‘engendering the fear that soon it will be looking into newsrooms all over the country.’

Why Won’t Journalists Follow the Money?

By not revealing the funders behind ‘think tanks,’ the information they provide shouldn’t be considered credible by readers.

The Sound You Hear Is Silence

When the subject is corporate immorality, nary a judgmental word is heard.

The ACLU and the Tobacco Companies

The American Civil Liberties Union has defended the Bill of Rights since its founding in 1920. This proud record does not necessarily mean that the ACLU welcomes an exercise of…

Response: What About Corporate Crime?

Richard Parker’s paper is an insightful, scholarly and valuable overview. But his analysis of contemporary watchdog economics journalism and his recommendations trouble this long-time reporter.Consider these quotes: “It seems malign”…