Pringle: A Career in Investigative Journalism and the Fight for Truth
In the world of high-stakes reporting, few roles are as demanding as that of an investigative reporter—a journalist who delves deep into a single topic, often uncovering fraud, corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. Pringle has spent decades mastering this craft, navigating the complexities of power and bureaucracy to bring critical stories to light in Southern California.
Professional Journey and Early Career
Before becoming a staple of the Los Angeles media landscape, Pringle built a robust foundation in regional reporting. His career is marked by leadership roles in several prominent news organizations, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the West Coast beat.
- Copley News Service: Served as the Los Angeles bureau chief from 1984 to 1998.
- The Dallas Morning News: Acted as the West Coast bureau chief between 1998 and 2001.
- The Tampa Tribune: Contributed as a stringer, a freelance journalist who provides reports on a regular basis.
Beyond the newsroom, Pringle has shared his expertise with the next generation of journalists, teaching part-time at Cal State Northridge.
Impact at the Los Angeles Times
Since joining the Los Angeles Times in 2001, Pringle has focused on stories of systemic failure and institutional corruption. His portfolio covers a wide array of societal issues, from environmental disasters to the abuse of power within medical and educational institutions.
Major Investigations
Pringle's reporting has exposed critical issues across various sectors, including:
- The devastating 2004 California wildfires.
- Financial misspending within the Los Angeles community college system.
- Corruption within the Service Employees International Union and the city of Bell, California.
- Abuses perpetrated by the Coliseum Commission.
- The alleged abuse of women by USC gynecologist George Tyndall.
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The Puliafito Case and "Bad City"
One of Pringle's most challenging assignments involved Carmen Puliafito, the former Dean of the USC Keck School of Medicine. Pringle uncovered drug use by Puliafito and a subsequent failure by the Pasadena Police Department to respond appropriately.
This struggle became the central theme of his 2022 book, Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels, published by Celadon Books. The narrative details a year-long battle to publish the story. Despite reporting on a March 2016 overdose incident, Pringle's superiors at the Los Angeles Times initially blocked the story to avoid offending USC. It was only through the persistence of Pringle and his colleagues that the report was finally published in July 2017, after Puliafito had already resigned.
The book has been praised by Katie Benner of The New York Times, who described it as a "master class in investigative journalism" characterized by sharp storytelling.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Investigative reporter at the Los Angeles Times (joined 2001).
- Notable Publication: Author of Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels (2022).
- Key Subjects: Institutional corruption, medical malpractice, and government misspending.
- Past Leadership: Bureau chief for both Copley News Service and The Dallas Morning News.
Career Summary Table
| Period/Year | Organization/Work | Role/Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1984–1998 | Copley News Service | Los Angeles Bureau Chief |
| 1998–2001 | The Dallas Morning News | West Coast Bureau Chief |
| 2001–Present | Los Angeles Times | Investigative Reporter |
| 2022 | Celadon Books | Published Bad City |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Pringle's book, Bad City?
The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the investigation into Carmen Puliafito, exposing corruption at USC, the Pasadena Police Department, and the internal struggles Pringle faced at the Los Angeles Times to get the story published.
Which major institutions has Pringle investigated?
Pringle has investigated the USC Keck School of Medicine, the Service Employees International Union, the Coliseum Commission, and the Los Angeles community college system.
Why was the story about Carmen Puliafito delayed?
The story was delayed because superiors at the Los Angeles Times were reluctant to publish it, fearing that the report would offend the University of Southern California (USC).
What other news organizations has Pringle worked for?
Before the Los Angeles Times, he worked for The Dallas Morning News, Copley News Service, and served as a stringer for The Tampa Tribune.
Did Pringle have any experience in education?
Yes, Pringle taught journalism on a part-time basis at Cal State Northridge.