Investigating Power with Precision: The Reporters’ Collective’s Commitment to Public-Interest Journalism

Founded to expose systemic flaws and serve the public interest, The Reporters’ Collective (TRC) is an independent non-profit newsroom that focuses on in-depth investigative journalism. Operating out of New Delhi, TRC is redefining media accountability by collaborating with regional and national outlets to publish impactful, data-driven stories that often challenge government narratives and corporate interests.

Investigative Journalism for the Public

The Reporters’ Collective works through a collaborative model where journalists, data scientists, and legal researchers investigate critical areas like governance, environment, policymaking, and corporate influence. Their goal is to publish stories that reveal how power is exercised, often at the expense of public welfare.

According to its founding team, “Our duty is not just to inform, but to uncover what those in power do not want revealed.”

Format, Language & Collaboration

TRC publishes stories in English and regional Indian languages, working with platforms like Article 14, Al Jazeera, Scroll.in, and BBC to co-publish their reports. These collaborations allow The Reporters’ Collective to reach diverse readerships and amplify the real-world impact of their findings.

Exposés That Matter

Their widely acclaimed reports include:

• The Centre’s quiet handover of Sainik Schools to BJP-linked groups
• The Modi government’s rollback on poverty metrics
• Lobbying by power giants to delay environmental standards

Each of these stories is backed by legal documents, RTI responses, and interviews—ensuring factual accuracy and transparency.

Facing State Pushback

In January 2025, TRC faced government backlash when its Section 80G license was revoked by the Income Tax Department. The stated reason: “Journalism does not qualify as public service.”
Despite the action, the collective remains operational and legally active, challenging the move in court and continuing to publish.

For the Citizens, By the Citizens

As a reader-supported initiative, The Reporters’ Collective runs on public contributions. Its donation model ensures freedom from corporate or political funding—preserving editorial independence and public trust.

About The Reporters’ Collective

The Reporters’ Collective is a non-profit collaborative newsroom headquartered in New Delhi. It investigates how governance decisions are made and who benefits from them—aiming to expose corruption, abuse of power, and systemic failure.

Website: www.reporters-collective.in

Focus: Investigative journalism, governance, policy, public service

Languages: English and regional Indian languages

Status: Registered non-profit (challenging recent 80G revocation)
Chief Editors: Collaborative editorial board