American Prospect Executive Editor Michael Tomasky announced today that the Prospect has hired Joe Conason to serve in a new position as the magazine's Investigative Editor. Conason, the well-known investigative journalist, political columnist, and best-selling author, will oversee the Prospect's new emphasis on investigative reporting. He will assign, edit, and write articles, and he will join the magazine formally on January 24.
Conason has a long history in investigative journalism. In the 1980s, he wrote articles about the secret U.S. real estate holdings of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos --articles that ultimately helped bring down the dictator's regime. In the 1990s, he uncovered details about the conservatives who were plotting to destroy the Clinton presidency, revealing the existence of the “Arkansas Project” that poured millions of dollars into investigating the Clintons' lives. With Gene Lyons, he co-authored the best-selling book, The Hunting of the President, which was released last year as a documentary film. More recently, Conason was one of the first journalists to reveal the origins and finances of the so-called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
“I couldn't be more thrilled,” Tomasky said. “When I was starting out in journalism in New York, Joe was one of the small handful of reporters in the city whom I really looked up to. To have a chance now to work with him is just great. Nothing beats breaking stories. This is an important new direction for the Prospect, and it's being overseen by one of the best investigative journalists in the business.”
“I'm greatly looking forward to working with Mike and the rest of the talented Prospect staff,” said Conason. “The magazine is making a serious commitment to investigative reporting, and I'm very flattered to be chosen to oversee that mission.”
