Correctiv
CORRECTIV: A public interest-oriented media house for investigative journalism
editCORRECTIV is a German-speaking, nonprofit media house based in Essen with another location in Berlin. Founded in July 2014 by David Schraven, CORRECTIV positions itself as the first nonprofit research center in Germany.
Key Products and Services
editCORRECTIV focuses on investigative journalism that is conducted long-term and carefully in the public interest. The editorial team uncovers structural grievances, corruption, and unethical behavior, publishing their research in several languages, including German, Arabic, English, French, Russian, and Turkish. Notable investigations include inquiries into the CumEx tax scandal, the AfD donation affair, and rising rents in the housing market.
In addition to investigative research, CORRECTIV also operates the online journalism school Reporterfabrik and the network CORRECTIV.Lokal, which supports local journalists, bloggers, and experts in collaborative research. There is also the youth editorial team Salon5, which was established with the support of the Ruhr Conference and the RAG Foundation[1][2][3].
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of CORRECTIV is to strengthen democracy through independent and investigative journalism. The media house aims to promote an open and democratic society by uncovering abuses of power, polarization, and corruption, and providing the public with carefully researched information. CORRECTIV believes that all people have a right to independent, freely accessible, and high-quality information and therefore operates without paywalls, advertisements, or data sales[3][4].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editCORRECTIV is committed to supporting a functioning democracy through a well-informed public. By involving citizens in research and promoting media literacy through educational programs and workshops, the media house contributes to strengthening civil society. The organization also advocates for press freedom and civil rights and has won several lawsuits that sustainably strengthen these rights[3][4].
Funding and Transparency
editCORRECTIV is funded by donations from individuals, grants from foundations and institutions, as well as the revenue from its commercial subsidiary. The media house places great importance on transparency and publishes all donations over 1000 euros on its website. This three-pillar model ensures independence and avoids dependencies on political or economic interests[1][2][4].
Through its work and initiatives, CORRECTIV makes an important contribution to strengthening democracy and media literacy in society, and it remains a model example of independent and public interest-oriented journalism.