The Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) is a nonprofit news organization based in Emeryville, California, and has conducted investigative journalism since 1977. It is known for producing stories that reveal scandals or corruption in government agencies and corporations. In 2010, CIR launched its California Watch reporting project; in 2012, it merged with The Bay Citizen. Its 2012 budget is approximately $11 million. The current business model emphasizes cooperation with partners and other news outlets rather than competition, although the Center charges outlets that publish or broadcast its content. Robert Jon Rosenthal has been the executive director of the Center since 2007. Phil Bronstein is the organization’s executive chair.