The Lens

The mission of The Lens remains as clear as it is urgent: to educate, engage and empower the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast by providing the information and analysis necessary to advocate for more accountable and just governance.

The Lens is the New Orleans area's first nonprofit, nonpartisan public-interest newsroom, dedicated to unique investigative and explanatory journalism. Our mission is to educate, engage and empower readers with information and analysis necessary for them to advocate for a more transparent and just governance that is accountable to the public.

Founded in 2010 The Lens is committed to delivering journalism that serves our readers and community. We bring humanity to our reporting, incorporating compelling visuals, and ensuring community voices are front and center. With a talented team of reporters, we emphasize collaborative journalism to provide deeper, more insightful coverage. Over the years, The Lens has evolved from a focus on land use to critical investigative work on criminal justice, infrastructure, education, and the environment-stories that highlight the real-life impact of policy decisions on New Orleanians.

Testimonials

"Your stories are important and we can trust them."

"Local journalism is crucial."

"You're dedicated to covering local and state issues."

"Y'all are virtually the last institution doing serious journalism in New Orleans! Keep it up!"

"You concentrate on story not always well covered. "

"We need a free press more than ever right now!"

"Independent journalism is so important, and your work has been impressive."

"I appreciate that you probe and honorably investigate issues. We need this in every city, but especially New Orleans. "

"I support independent journalism."