Board statement
The board of FairWarning, a nonprofit devoted to alerting the public to hazardous consumer products and unjust corporate practices, has decided to dissolve the charitable nonprofit as of Feb. 20, 2021. This step is taken with regret as the small journalism nonprofit has devoted the last 11 years to protecting the public from harms to their health and safety. Circumstances beyond the board’s control have unfairly damaged FairWarning’s reputation and made it difficult to carry on a small-budget news organization dependent on charitable donations.
The board wishes to thank the donors who kept this enterprise going for so long. We also wish to thank the many journalists who contributed their work to the site. We thank our founder and editor, Myron Levin, for his vision, professionalism, and fundraising expertise which sustained the organization since its inception.
FairWarning’s journalism covered auto safety, environmental hazards, health scams, the need for labor protection, fake medicines, pesticide dangers, and toys and equipment that sickened or killed children. Its focus on state and federal regulators’ lack of urgency to protect the public moved several to action, saving lives and preventing injuries. Its reports on severe burns suffered by toddlers from glass-front gas fireplaces helped push the industry to adopt a safety feature to prevent future injuries.
FairWarning was an early investigator of the cancer risks from talc powders; examined the racial politics of menthol cigarettes and told how giant tobacco companies use trade treaties to fight anti-smoking measures around the world. It revealed a disinformation campaign by the indoor tanning industry to hide the risk of skin cancer.
Also, FairWarning produced a path-breaking story on the immunity of small farms from OSHA investigations of worker deaths; regrettably, there have been many hundreds. It commissioned tests revealing that gas-powered leaf blowers are prolific polluters that may pose health risks to landscaping workers.
FairWarning showed how articles, ghostwritten by major drug companies, had corrupted medical literature and were used to boost drug sales or disparage rival medicines. Its investigation of contacts between a lobbying firm and the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission sparked congressional inquiries followed by her departure.
Articles and op-eds based on FairWarning’s reporting appeared in outlets including NBC News, Mother Jones, The Atlantic, the McClatchy newspapers, The Oregonian, Salon, and many others. Leading foundations and individual donors supported the nonprofit.
The board is proud of the work that has been accomplished with a tiny staff and lean budgets. It is the board’s intention to work with another nonprofit to digitally house FairWarning’s archive so that past articles will continue to be accessible to the public.
Message from Myron Levin
Dear Reader,
Last fall, I brought before our board a plan to launch a search for a new executive director for FairWarning in 2021. After 50 years as a journalist and 11 years running FairWarning, I thought it was time for a new leader—someone with energy and vision who could raise the organization to a new level. I’m writing to you now because events of the last two weeks have changed the plan.
A lengthy Twitter thread by a job applicant who didn’t get the job accused me of making racist statements. It contained serious inaccuracies and distortions. Nonetheless, in response to the attack our two staff writers, including one who has worked here nearly three years, went on Twitter to publicly demand that our board force me to resign.
The board refused to do this, but we have been crippled. Hiring new staff and recruiting a strong new leader under these circumstances would be difficult, to say the least. And so, the board and I have decided that the best course is for FairWarning to shut down.
We’ll be winding things down over the next few weeks. We won’t be accepting new donations, and we plan to donate the balance of our funds to another worthwhile nonprofit news organization.
I’m sad to say goodbye, particularly under these circumstances. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and deeply grateful to the readers and donors who, over the years, have advanced our mission of delivering strong watchdog reporting in the public interest. I’d also like to thank our board members for their service, and the nearly 200 online, print and broadcast media outlets who have co-published FairWarning stories.
Throughout my career, I’ve always taken to heart the old byword to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. That has been the animating spirit at FairWarning, too. We’ve punched above our weight and produced stories that mattered and might otherwise not been told. We’ve taken on issues of critical importance to the health and safety of the public. We’ve never branded ourselves as speaking for any particular group. But if you’ve been following us, you’ll have seen many stories about bad practices that disproportionately harm powerless people, including people of color and low-paid workers exposed to dangerous working conditions and to wage violations.
Thanks to all of you who have made it possible for us to do our work.
All the best,
Myron Levin
Founder and Editor
Like many before me, I’m here after having read Connelly’s novel. I was wondering if this news was or not a “fake” one?… So sorry to see that it’s not. Sorry, too, for my bad English, as u know, French aren’t known for their language skills. Little more pessimistic in front of where our world is heading… So bad… Best wishes anyway from France.
Cancel culture will eventually cancel itself out. Sadly, freedom of speech is doing a nosedive and Congress is doing nothing to stop it. We can only hope that the Supreme Court steps up to the challenge, but it won’t if the Democrats pack the court. I am consistently distressed over the numerous old-school journalists who try to keep opinion out of their journalism being attacked for doing just that. The Woke want us all to have an opinion–theirs. I prefer my journalist straight, without opinion, but now we have nowhere to go. I wish you well and hope sincerely that you let us know who you believe has taken up your mantel.
Like several others, I visited your site after listening to Michael Connelly’s audiobook, “Fair Warning”.
I am so disappointed to learn that you have ceased operations – especially under such negative circumstances.
This planet needs a reboot.
Another Connelly fan. Absolute shame re your website. Getaway from it all. Come & stay in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia when you get the opportunity. Home of the yellow helmeted Honeyeater and our Cottage.
There must be someone, somewhere willing to continue FairWarning’s work. Please let me know where it can be found. I am so sick of the reckless name-calling, false information, stories only for publicity’s sake, etc. that now abound. Donation ready to go from me to ????
I am so sorry this has come to an end. I too came to the site as a result of Michael Connelly’s book. I do not know the circumstances of this demise, but I do know how easy it is to slander someone nowadays and how difficult it can be to refute allegations made. I wish you all the best with your next venture, which I have no doubt will be a huge success.
I too come too late,after just finishing Michael Connelly’s book.
Am so sorry you are dismantling your organization.
We,the people, desperately need organizations like FairWarning!
Good luck in all your endeavours Mr. Levin.
I visited your site via Michael Connelly’s book, “Fair Warning”. I am very disappointed that the site is closing down. I implore you to fight for what is right. If you don’t, bullies win. You have been doing great work by keeping the public informed without bias or bigotry. YOUR WORK SHOULD NOT DISAPPEAR …
I just finished reading Michael Connelly’s book “Fair Warning” and was looking forward to learning about the part your group’s work did to add inspiration for his book. I am so sorry to read that as of February 2021 you are no longer an entity! Your work was vital and heroic – what a shame it had to end. I echo the sentiments of all the others who have written and wish you the best.
I just finished Michael Connelly’s book, and very much enjoyed the conversation between Connelly and Myron Levin in the Afterwards. Am very sorry to read of this development. I was looking forward to getting to know Fair Warning’s work. I wish you the best.
This is very sad news. I just finished the Michael Connelly book of the same name and looked forward to the website. Shame.
I’m never quite sure why the media is so reluctant to name names. They won’t name the various “Karens”, the neighbor who hangs the KKK flag in his window on the black neighbors side etc. not sure it can be called “investigative journalism” if the findings are never published. If you are confident of your facts, truth is an absolute defense.
At the risk of sounding like an echo. I also just discovered you through Connelly’s novel. It is a sad commentary on our society that a disgruntled sadistic little non-hire can cause this unwarranted outcome. I wish you would fight but can understand your reluctance to do so. So I will just say I wish I had known you sooner and better God speed.
I just discovered Fair Warning through listening to Michael Connelly’s wonderful novel, and his interview of Myron at the end. I went online to check it out and was very disappointed to see that you are closing. It seems a shame to let one overreactive twitter user cause the loss of such an important news organization. I wish you all the best.
Like Beth (earlier post) I learned of this site via the book of the same name, by Michael Connelly. I just finished listening to the audiobook version and was pleased to hear the ‘extra’ segment at the end where he interviewed Myron Levin….got me inspired to visit the site and to make a donation…but, alas, too late. Where does this leave us now?!?
We received a flood of responses to the shutdown announcement. Excerpts from some of the emails are here:
Joan Claybrook
This outrages me. I am so sorry. After all you have done to protect the public and the public
interest, FairWarning deserves to continue and serve the public…I know you have had a long, wonderful and productive career but the organization should continue with your help.
I hope those like me who admire your work will be informed about the next step for your
archive and resources. Many thanks for all you have done for all of us.
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Charles Lewis
You have so much to be very proud of…What you founded and what you have led and what you have published over 11 years and the remarkable following you developed of nearly 200 online, print and broadcast media outlets who have co-published FairWarning stories — it has all been outstanding and you should and you must be very proud of what you have accomplished.
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Bill Bronrott
The loss of FairWarning leaves a gaping hole in public interest journalism. Thank you for your decade of putting the spotlight on so many issues that rarely see the light of day on other news platforms. FairWarning’s reporting will be sorely missed.
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Heather Earl
No!.. .Your news has been exactly what I needed. Actual news: not slanted, always factual and relevant. As a safety profession.al, there were numerous enlightening stories on community and occupational safety. It was so refreshing compared to mainstream media. I don’t suppose there is any way to reverse this decision?
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Evie Marlin
Wow. So sorry to hear this. You have been doing such great work during this age of coverups, lies and general corruption with regard to the health and well-being of our planet, and its inhabitants.
What else to say? Good night and good luck, and remember, your honesty in journalism will always be appreciated by all FairWarning readers.
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Rob Cunningham
It was disappointing to see this news. I would like to acknowledge all of your work on so many issues of critical public interest, all on undoubtedly a very, very small budget.
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Jeanne OConnell
I’m so sorry to read your letter and learn of FairWarning shutting down. While I’ve only been aware of you for a relatively short time, I’ve enjoyed your publication and have always looked forward to reading it in full. When first exploring Fair Warning, I went back and read many of your stories and was appreciative of their balanced and informative nature. The world will be a smaller place without your publication.
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Cris Woodward
I am stunned by this news. I’ve been a supporter of Fair Warning for many years, and it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. I wish you all the best. I know you are a man of integrity and I’m sorry your legacy is being damaged.
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Jane Kay
This is a heart-breaking state of affairs. Anyone who has followed your courageous work on behalf of the powerless would never accuse you of racism. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that you have had to undergo this attack
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Dan Eyde
I am truly sad to see FairWarning end like this, another victim of the “Woke Left”. Frankly, I was not a fan of FairWarning…I did however believe 2 very important things; 1. You had personal integrity, and 2. Worked to fairly report on safety issues that should be recognized and addressed. You did not insert a lot of editorial comment and you documented where you got your information. With that you can have a useful discussion on the merits and science.
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Eric Bailey
I am so sad you are shutting down FairWarning. You and your team have truly produced outstanding — and racially and socioeconomically important — consumer and safety journalism for the past decade…Take care and be proud of all you have accomplished.
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Laura Gross
I am beyond sorry to hear this sad news…I’ve enjoyed reading your content, and have been so glad an organization like yours exists. Thanks for all you’ve done for truth and journalism
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Peter Francis
As a new FairWarning follower, I am very unhappy to see you bullied to shut down. And to silence a very important medium at this horrible time of hatred, dishonest criminal politicians. I thank you for sharing your knowledge and ask that you please reconsider the shutdown of a wonderful pipeline of valuable facts and help to followers of FairWarning.
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Words cannot describe how disappointing I found it to read the reasons for closing your news journal. To see such groundbreaking and important work disappear from the Nation’s discourse is infuriating…Your years of superb investigative journalism at FairWarning are a legacy that will shine for years to come.
I only came to Fair Warning through Michael Connelly’s book, and I find that I am too late. So sorry it ended this way.
“I felt it was important to let people know what bias — unconscious or otherwise — looks like.” (From a follow-up by the Twitter writer posted on journal-isms.com)
“FairWarning’s journalism covered auto safety, environmental hazards, health scams, the need for labor protection, fake medicines, pesticide dangers, and toys and equipment that sickened or killed children.” (From the Board statement above)
I’m sorry to make humor out of serious issues, but this situation is already worthy of a Tom Wolfe style novel.
RIP, FairWarning. You did a lot of great work.
So sorry this is happening. I wish you the best.