Investigation by ‘Indianapolis Star’ Hailed as Proof of Local Journalism’s Impact

The Indianapolis Star’s investigation into sexual abuse within USA Gymnastics, which culminated with the sentencing Wednesday of former team doctor Larry Nassar for up to 175 years in prison, is a sign that local journalism still matters, say media observers, even as public trust in media remains dismal. The Star, which is owned by Gannett and is part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, began the investigation nearly two years ago when reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski began looking into a lawsuit that named USA Gymnastics as a defendant.