#United States #Boston #STAT #Health Reporting #Health Journalism

Celebrating a Decade of STAT

In 2025, STAT proudly marks ten years of pioneering journalism, focusing on the vital realms of health and medicine. Founded with the ambition to fill a journalistic gap in these fields, STAT has emerged from a modest beginning in Boston to become a nationally recognized brand.

Growth and Impact

From its initial team of just a few dedicated journalists, STAT has expanded to a robust staff of approximately 100, establishing a presence in major US cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and across California and the Midwest. Its reach extends even further, with plans for a growing audience in the U.K. and internationally.

Under the visionary leadership of co-founder and executive editor Rick Berke, STAT has successfully illustrated that a readership exists for high-quality journalism in life sciences. This has been especially crucial during a time when many media outlets have faced substantial challenges, proving that there is still demand for in-depth, well-researched news reporting.

What distinguishes STAT is not just its rigorous reporting, but its compelling storytelling. Covering both scientific advancements and the intricate challenges of the U.S. healthcare system, STAT has captivated millions of readers by delving into crucial issues affecting public health. The outlet has consistently put a spotlight on key players—drug manufacturers, healthcare providers, and influential scientific leaders—starting dialogues that matter.

Highlights Over the Years

Reflecting on its decade of impactful journalism, STAT's list of successes is both impressive and significant. Here are some notable milestones:

• - In 2019, STAT was instrumental in unearthing secret documents from Purdue Pharma regarding the marketing of OxyContin, after a prolonged legal battle. This investigation was pivotal in understanding the opioid crisis.
• - In 2020, STAT was the first U.S. news organization to recognize the potential global health threat posed by the coronavirus. Its timely reporting garnered respect, with major outlets like The New York Times acknowledging STAT's foresight in tackling the pandemic's impending impact.
• - The following years brought more revelations, including investigations into the approval processes of controversial drugs, tied to undue influences on public health policies, resulting in congressional inquiries and investigations.
• - Most recently, investigations into how artificial intelligence is used in healthcare have sparked significant policy changes regarding patient care and data transparency.

These examples illustrate not just STAT's journalistic accomplishments but also how its reporting has inspired tangible changes in the health and medicine sectors.

Responding to the Community

Audience engagement has also seen exponential growth. Notably, they reported a staggering 45% increase in subscribers during the last summer alone, highlighting the growing trust placed in their rigorous reporting. Readers express their appreciation for STAT's unique blend of detailed reporting and compelling narratives, with repeated calls for continued focus on critical health issues and journalistic integrity.

In recent years, essential series like "Coercive Care" and "The War on Recovery" have challenged prevailing narratives about health policies and treatment methodologies, revealing biases and systemic issues within healthcare practices.

A Commitment to Innovation

In addition to traditional journalism, STAT has embraced multimedia storytelling, launching popular podcasts and documentaries to complement its written articles. This commitment to innovation ensures that they remain at the forefront of journalistic practice in covering significant public health issues. Events like the annual STAT Summit have been critical platforms for dialogue among experts and audiences further strengthening the community around health reporting.

Awards and Recognition

The dedication to quality journalism has not gone unnoticed; STAT has received numerous accolades over its decade-long journey, including multiple Pulitzer Prize nominations, Edward R. Murrow Awards, and other prestigious recognitions that highlight its commitment to excellence. The resonance of its work is evident in its loyal readership and the passionate responses from the community.

Conclusion

As STAT celebrates ten years, it remains dedicated to its mission of uncovering the truths of health and medicine, fostering understanding, and sparking change. With a bright future ahead, the focus will continue to be on investigative journalism that not only informs but also shapes the conversation around the vital issues of our time. "We are not just reporting news; we are changing lives and sparking conversations that matter," concluded Berke.

As it embarks on the next chapter, STAT is poised to continue influencing the landscape of health journalism, equipping its audience with the critical knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving world of healthcare.