Mechanisms
The same structures recur in every field this project examines.
The middleman
An institution that stands between people and something they need, controls access to it, and is paid for that position.
38 findings- INF
- MED
- REL
Oversight paid for by the overseen
A regulator, reviewer or standard-setter whose budget, staff or authority depends on the parties it is meant to judge.
16 findings- INF
- MED
- POL
- AGR
The revolving door
Officials who move between government posts and the industries those posts regulate, contract with or fund.
12 findings- MED
- DEF
- POL
Lobbying and purchased policy
Spending to shape law, regulation or enforcement, and the documented changes that followed it.
36 findings- MED
- POL
- AGR
Philanthropic steering
Private foundations directing public institutions through earmarked grants, conditions and placed personnel.
13 findings- MED
- POL
The study not run
A comparison, audit or report that would settle a question, that a responsible body was asked or required to produce, and that does not exist.
42 findings- INF
- MED
- DEF
- POL
- AGR
The filtered record
Evidence that reaches the public selectively: unpublished results, ghostwritten reviews, late retractions and suppressed findings.
25 findings- INF
- MED
- DEF
- AGR
- REL
Known inside, disclosed late
A harm or failure documented internally well before the public was told.
37 findings- INF
- MED
- DEF
- REL
The liability shield
Legal protection that moves the cost of harm from the producer to the person harmed or to the public.
10 findings- INF
- MED
- REL
Managing the narrative
Organized efforts to shape what the public, the press or researchers say about a product, policy or institution.
58 findings- INF
- MED
- DEF
- POL
- AGR
Revenue from the problem
Arrangements in which the parties paid to address a problem earn more while the problem continues.
4 findings- MED
Channels paid by the parties they cover
A news or information channel whose revenue, access or licence depends on advertisers, owners, official sources or regulators that its coverage touches.
5 findings- INF