Reveal Celebrates 10 Years of Investigative Journalism Impact

The investigative journalism program Reveal marks its tenth anniversary this week, reflecting on a decade of impactful stories that have reshaped public discourse. The show initially gained attention with its pilot episode, which uncovered the alarming trend of the Department of Veterans Affairs overprescribing opioids to veterans, exacerbating the ongoing overdose crisis.

Uncovering the Opioid Crisis

In the show’s groundbreaking first episode, journalist Aaron Glantz detailed how he secured a decade’s worth of opioid prescription data from the federal government in a surprisingly short time frame. “Sometimes, you have to sue to get the records,” Glantz noted, hinting at the challenges journalists often face when seeking transparency. He added, “I have to think that there were some people over there in DC who were as concerned as we were about this.”

Host Al Letson expressed uncertainty about the show’s reception at the time of its debut. “We weren’t sure if any public radio stations would even air it,” he remarked. Despite initial hesitations, the episode sparked widespread outrage and led to congressional hearings during a government lockdown. This investigation has since influenced a significant shift in how veterans are prescribed painkillers across the nation.

A Decade of Impactful Reporting

Since its inception, Reveal has grown considerably, now airing on over 500 stations worldwide. In celebration of its ten-year milestone, the program will revisit some of its most compelling investigations, including explorations of water shortages in drought-prone California and labor abuses in the Dominican Republic.

The anniversary episode will feature interviews with the journalists behind these stories, allowing them to discuss the aftermath of their reporting and its broader implications. This retrospective highlights the vital role that investigative journalism plays in holding powerful institutions accountable and informing the public.

This week’s broadcast is a rebroadcast of an episode that initially aired in March 2025, showcasing how Reveal has not only reported on critical issues but has also contributed to substantial changes in policy and public awareness over the years.

As Reveal continues to push boundaries in investigative journalism, its commitment to uncovering the truth remains unwavering, ensuring that essential stories are told and heard. The show’s success serves as a reminder of the power of journalism in fostering accountability and driving social change.