The Intercept Keeps Up with Leaked NSA Documents

The home screen of The Intercept, with journalists Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill and Laura Poitras in photo.

After the exposure of the U.S. National Security Agency’s (NSA’S) communication filtering and collection capabilities and programs, the world got a new look at where the U.S. stands with privacy and the lengths it will go to for “national security.” Since that time, no one news organization seems to be able to keep up with the hard questions, like what do the documents that were released actually say, how is this exposure affecting the U.S.’s national security, or how could this change the fabric of citizen understanding and acceptance of secret governmental programs.

One group of journalists saw the lack of comprehensive coverage and thought they could fill the gap. Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill, all recognized journalists that have been published in Guardian, Salon, The New York Times, Democracy Now! and others of notoriety, decided to take the leap and started The Intercept.

The Intercept, an online publication of First Look Media, was created by the three journalists with a two-fold mission: one short-term, the other long-term.

The short-term mission is to provide a platform to report on the documents previously provided by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Although they are still building their infrastructure and larger vision, they launched now because they believe they have a vital obligation to this ongoing and evolving story, to the released documents, and to the public.

Their NSA coverage is meant to be comprehensive, innovative and multi-faceted, utilizing a team of experienced editors and journalists devoted to the story. They will use all forms of digital media for their reporting. In addition, they plan to publish primary source documents on which their reporting is based. They have plans to invite outside experts with area knowledge to contribute to their reporting, and provide a platform for commentary and reader engagement.

Their long-term mission is to produce fearless, adversarial journalism across a wide range of issues — something they think the world needs more of. The editorial independence of their journalists will be guaranteed, they said. They will be encouraged to pursue their passions, cultivate a unique voice, and publish stories without regard to whom they might anger or alienate.

“We believe the prime value of journalism is its power to impose transparency, and thus accountability, on the most powerful governmental and corporate bodies, and our journalists will be provided the full resources and support required to do this,” their website said. “While our initial focus will be the critical work surrounding the NSA story, we are excited by the opportunity to grow with our readers into the broader and more comprehensive news outlet that the The Intercept will become.”

This website offers a comprehensive look at how the NSA story is unfolding. The latest headline from Feb. 10 reads: The NSA’s Secret Role in the U.S. Assassination Program.

With that said, we hope you’re enticed to find out more. If so, visit firstlook.org/theintercept.