The Media School at Indiana University dedicated the new Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism Tuesday in Franklin Hall.
According to the school’s dean, James Shanahan, the center will have complete editorial independence and be staffed by student reporters.
“Four or five graduate students,” Shanahan says. “They’ll be doing independent investigations for the center as part of their graduate curriculum, but also just producing independent journalism.”
Michael Arnolt graduated from IU in 1967 with a journalism degree. He helped fund the center with a $6 million gift.
Arnolt says although it’s nice the center bears his name, he’s more excited about the work it will produce.
“You know what? It’s not my name up here that’s important,” Arnolt says. “It’s what comes out of here that’s important. My hope is that we’re gonna have some fun, raise some hell and make a difference.”
The center’s work will be available to news outlets across the country at no cost.
CBS News Correspondent Scott Pelley will serve the keynote speaker for the opening celebration.
