A closer look at the career and impact of photojournalist turned investigative journalist, Erin Siegal McIntyre, and her dedication to uncovering hidden stories.
In the world of journalism, there are those who seek to capture the surface-level narratives and those who delve deep into the underbelly of society to expose the truth. Erin Siegal McIntyre, a former photojournalist turned investigative journalist, belongs to the latter camp. McIntyre’s journey into investigative journalism began with a chance encounter at an airport in Guatemala, leading her to uncover a dark side of international adoption. Since then, she has dedicated her career to shedding light on untold stories, teaching aspiring journalists at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media along the way.
A Quest for Challenge
Siegal McIntyre’s journey into journalism started with a desire for intellectual stimulation. After dropping out of art school, she pursued a dual-degree major in writing and photography at Parsons School of Design. Her freelance career took off quickly, with assignments from renowned news organizations like Reuters and The New York Times. However, she felt a yearning to dig deeper into stories and challenge herself further.
Uncovering the Dark Side of International Adoption
It was during her master’s program at Columbia Journalism School that Siegal McIntyre stumbled upon a story that would change the trajectory of her career. Researching the legislative history of international adoption between Guatemala and the United States, she uncovered a web of corruption, kidnapping, and fraudulent practices. Through her book, “Finding Fernanda,” she exposed criminal networks involved in international adoption and won multiple awards for her reporting.
Investigating Problems at the Border
After her success with “Finding Fernanda,” Siegal McIntyre moved to Tijuana, Mexico, where she spent a decade reporting on immigration, deportation, policy, and culture. Living on the border between Mexico and the United States, she experienced firsthand the complexities of border issues. Intrigued by the institutional culture of the U.S. Border Patrol, she embarked on a new project, focusing on the agency’s evolution over the past 50 years. This project aims to shed light on the experiences of former agents and the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated organization.
Connecting the Dots
Siegal McIntyre’s investigative reporting relies on a combination of interviews, research spanning decades, and the use of public information. She is no stranger to the challenges of accessing unreleased government documents, often resorting to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain crucial information. By combining firsthand accounts with government records, she paints a vivid picture of the Border Patrol’s culture over time.
Conclusion:
Erin Siegal McIntyre’s journey from photojournalism to investigative reporting has been marked by a relentless pursuit of truth and a commitment to holding those in power accountable. Her work has shed light on hidden stories and exposed corruption, leading to positive change. As a professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, she imparts her knowledge and passion to the next generation of journalists, inspiring them to uncover untold stories and make a difference in the world. In a time when journalism is more important than ever, Siegal McIntyre’s dedication to investigative reporting serves as a beacon of hope for the future of the field.
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