The Baltimore Sun announced Monday it will join with FOX45’s investigative journalism initiative “Spotlight on Maryland,” which focuses on holding public officials accountable and promoting transparency in the use of public funds.

Through this partnership, journalists will investigate how taxpayer money is spent. The Sun and FOX45 said they also plan to produce stories highlighting the region’s successes and identifying solutions to challenges facing Maryland communities. Spotlight on Maryland will be the largest investigative journalism collaboration in the Mid-Atlantic region, the organizations said.

“Our readers and viewers count on us to deliver credible, unbiased reporting that holds the powerful accountable,” said Trif Alatzas, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Sun. “This partnership strengthens our shared mission of advocating for Maryland residents, protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that government actions align with the best interests of the people.”

The Sun and FOX45, which launched Spotlight on Maryland last month, will share resources to produce in-depth stories of importance to Maryland and the Baltimore region through this new collaboration.

“The Fourth Estate must provide citizens with important information they can use to check government power,” said Scott Livingston, senior vice president of news for Sinclair Inc, which owns FOX45. “This initiative will continue WBFF’s legacy of unique reporting in under-served arenas and spark much-needed public engagement on government abuses.”

The Sun has earned many national and regional awards, including 16 Pulitzer Prizes — journalism’s highest honor. The news organization most recently earned a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting for its coverage of former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and her business dealings with the University of Maryland Medical System, which ultimately prompted her to resign from office.

“‘Following the money’ — especially taxpayer funds — is one of the best methods journalists have for uncovering waste, fraud and abuse,” said Tricia Bishop, managing editor of The Sun. “Spotlight on Maryland should give The Sun more resources to pursue this critical work and better serve our readers and our communities.”

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