Robert Parry

Robert Parry (1949-2018) was an American investigative journalist recognized for his work on controversial subjects, including the Iran-Contra affair and the "October Surprise" theory concerning the 1980 U.S. presidential election. He began his career with the Associated Press, where he reported on events in El Salvador and Nicaragua, and later broke stories about alleged CIA-Contra involvement in cocaine trafficking and the distribution of an assassination manual. His reporting on the Iran-Contra affair earned him the George Polk Award. Parry also investigated the "October Surprise" theory, contributing to PBS Frontline documentaries.

In 1995, he founded Consortium News, an independent news service, and continued to edit it until his death. Throughout his career, Parry was noted for his independent journalistic approach, which challenged mainstream media narratives and earned him accolades such as the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence. His work often delved into areas where official accounts were questioned, seeking to uncover what he described as "manufactured conventional wisdom."

Robert Parry dedicated a significant portion of his career to investigative journalism, often tackling complex and politically charged topics. While at the Associated Press, he reported on the Iran-Contra affair, a scandal involving arms sales to Iran and funding for Nicaraguan Contras. His work brought to light controversial details, including the CIA's provision of an assassination manual to the Contras and a purported partnership between the CIA and Contras for cocaine trafficking within the U.S. to fund covert operations. This reporting, particularly concerning drug trafficking allegations, prompted a Congressional investigation. Parry also explored the "October Surprise" theory, which questioned the circumstances surrounding the 1980 U.S. presidential election, leading to his involvement in PBS Frontline documentaries on the subject.

Following his tenure at Newsweek, Robert Parry established the Consortium for Independent Journalism Inc. (CIJ) in 1995, which publishes the website Consortium News. This initiative underscored his commitment to independent reporting and providing a platform for in-depth investigations that might not find favor with mainstream outlets. He served as the editor of Consortium News until his passing in 2018. Parry's dedication to journalistic integrity and his persistent pursuit of challenging stories were recognized with honors such as the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence from Harvard's Nieman Foundation. His work was characterized by meticulous research and a willingness to question established narratives, often positioning him as a critical voice against "conventional wisdom."