We're proud to announce that ProPublica's A.C. Thompson is the recipient of the 2011 I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence.

Thompson’s nominator, anonymous by design of the selection process, described him as “intelligent, measured, courageous and resourceful, displaying a skepticism of authority and a non-sentimental concern for the underdog and a readiness to dig deeply into public records and interviews to uncover instances of injustice – in short, a perfect candidate for an I.F. Stone Medal.”

Thompson has been an investigative journalist for the past 13 years. At ProPublica, he focuses on poverty, human rights and criminal justice. His past reporting has earned him a number of journalism awards, including two George Polk awards, three Investigative Reporters and Editors awards as well as the Batten Medal from the American Society of News Editors, among others.

“Thompson stands out as a leader of the new generation of dedicated, creative and highly principled investigative journalists who now walk in I.F. Stone’s footsteps,” said Nieman curator Bob Giles. “He goes where others fear to tread and the public is better for it. He shines a spotlight on inequities and transgressions that otherwise would not be exposed in the press.”

Congratulations, A.C.