Overview
Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) is a media analysis publication produced by Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York. Established in 1961, it was created to evaluate the performance of journalism, highlight strengths and shortcomings in news reporting, and contribute to defining professional standards in the media industry.
CJR operates as a non-profit editorial platform that examines how journalism functions within society. Its work focuses on strengthening accountability, transparency, and responsible reporting across news organisations and media systems.
Mission and focus areas
CJR’s mission is to provide leadership and critical analysis in a rapidly changing journalism landscape. It aims to help journalists, editors, and media professionals better understand industry developments and maintain high standards of reporting and public service.
The organisation focuses on press criticism, media ethics, newsroom practices, press freedom, and the structural forces shaping journalism. Its reporting and commentary analyse topics such as misinformation, political influence on media, digital transformation, and the role of journalism in democratic societies.
Structure and governance
Columbia Journalism Review operates under the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and functions as a non-profit editorial initiative within the university. The publication maintains an editorial leadership team responsible for managing content, strategy, and day-to-day operations.
Leadership roles typically include an editor-in-chief, executive editors, and a publisher associated with the journalism school. Governance is supported through institutional oversight and philanthropic funding from foundations and media supporters that contribute to the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Programs and offerings
CJR produces a combination of digital journalism, long-form reporting, and a print magazine published twice annually. Its content includes investigative features, media criticism, industry analysis, and commentary on emerging issues affecting journalists and news organisations.
The organisation also publishes newsletters, opinion essays, and specialised reporting on media policy, press freedom, and journalistic practice. These resources support journalists, academics, and media professionals seeking informed perspectives on the evolving global news ecosystem.
Mission statement
CJR’s mission is to be the intellectual leader in the rapidly changing world of journalism. It is the most respected voice on press criticism, and it shapes the ideas that make media leaders and journalists smarter about their work. Through its fast-turn analysis and deep reporting, CJR is an essential venue not just for journalists, but also for the thousands of professionals in communications, technology, academia, and other fields reliant on solid media industry knowledge.
