MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Globe
MARCH 11, 2016
The Boston Globe’s 2001-2002 investigation into sexual abuses by clergy in the Catholic Church resulted in more than 600 stories, with eight Globe reporters playing key roles. The first history-changing report was the work of Spotlight editor Walter V. Robinson, and reporters Sacha Pfeiffer, Michael Rezendes, and Matt Carroll. As the scope of the story widened, four other reporters joined the effort: Stephen Kurkjian, Thomas Farragher, Michael Paulson, and Kevin Cullen.
Here is a sampling of their work:
1. This Globe column by Eileen McNamara got the investigation rolling when new Globe editor Martin Baron read it in July 2001 and asked the Spotlight Team to pursue a wider look at abusive priests and what the church leadership knew.
2. The story that changed everything: The Spotlight Team’s first major report, published Jan. 6, 2002.
3. A few weeks later, the Spotlight Team widened the horrifying picture to include scores of priests.
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