The Texas Observer, a nonprofit news organization, is dedicated to making Texas a more equitable state through investigative journalism, narrative storytelling, and cultural coverage. Founded in 1954, the Observer focuses on untold stories from overlooked communities, with the aim of not only informing but also empowering its readership. It is committed to holding public officials and corporations accountable, valuing the personal experiences of oppressed individuals as an essential component of their reporting.
Unlike many news outlets, the Texas Observer goes beyond the headlines, providing context and analysis to current events. The organization offers political commentary, essays, reviews, and criticism that challenge existing narratives and propose a new cultural canon. It prides itself on its rigorous, fact-based journalism that entertains while it informs.
Guided by a mission statement that prioritizes truth and human values over all else, the Texas Observer refuses to serve any group or party, basing its work on its own conscience. It stands firm in its refusal to misrepresent the truth to cater to powerful interests, proving itself a reliable source in the industry. Its use of history as a reporting tool sets it apart, allowing it to interrogate policies' origins and correct narratives that hide exploitation and injustice.