Connecticut Public Names Walter Smith-Randolph Investigative Editor/Lead Reporter for The Accountability Project

Walter Smith-Randolph has been named the Investigative Editor/Lead Reporter for The Accountability Project at Connecticut Public.  The Accountability Project investigative reporting team will provide a deep focus on Connecticut issues including education, the economy, business, housing and government. Smith-Randolph will lead a team of three investigative journalists that also includes an investigative reporter and a data reporting expert.

Local investigative journalism has declined in recent years because it requires substantial time and expertise at a time when commercial news media is struggling financially in Connecticut. According to Smith-Randolph, “Investigative journalism has revealed some of the most important and impactful stories in our history, and puts decision-making power back into the hands of the people – and most importantly, allows citizens to identify – and believe – the truth.”

Smith-Randolph is a New York City native who comes to CT Public after 10 years of reporting at local TV stations across the country. At Cincinnati’s CBS affiliate, Walter specialized in local government reporting while also investigating Cincinnati’s childhood poverty crisis.  In Kalamazoo, Michigan, Walter’s work as an investigative reporter exposed waste, fraud, abuse and corruption which led to resignations and reform in school districts, police departments and courthouses. At Flint, Michigan’s NBC station, his reporting helped uncover The Flint Water Crisis which earned him his first regional EMMY nomination. Smith-Randolph got his start as a reporter, producer and anchor in Elmira, New York.

When not reporting, Smith-Randolph is mentoring emerging journalists and advocating for diverse newsrooms with the National Association of Black Journalists where he was elected national treasurer in 2020. He’s also taught journalism at Western Michigan University and Northern Kentucky University.

He’s a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NABJ, Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) and the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. He also serves as Alumni Board Chair for the Newmark J-School at CUNY.

A graduate of Villanova University, he also holds a master’s degree in journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Walter Randolph-Smith to Connecticut Public to lead The Accountability Project” said Tim Rasmussen, Chief Content Officer of Connecticut Public, “This investigative reporting team is part of our larger strategic plan to expand news and information gathering statewide, and restore trust and accountability in our state. We feel very fortunate to have a journalist of Walter’s caliber to lead this critical effort.”

About Connecticut Public

Connecticut Public is home to Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR). Together, Connecticut Public serves nearly one million citizens each month through Connecticut Public Radio and Connecticut Public Television, as well as through our many digital and online platforms. Through our mission to inform, educate and inspire the people of Connecticut, we connect people of all ages to high quality journalism, storytelling, education and experiences, and amplify the voices of our diverse communities.  Connecticut Public is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with an $22 million annual budget, funded primarily through community support from individuals, foundations and corporate sponsors.