ProPublica is thrilled to announce the addition of Nick McMillan to its team as a computational journalist within the data and news apps division. This role will empower McMillan to harness technology and data in groundbreaking ways, uncovering stories that might otherwise remain hidden from public view.
Ken Schwencke, senior editor for data and news applications at ProPublica, expressed enthusiasm about McMillan’s appointment, stating, “Nick has an impressive track record of using cutting-edge technology to unlock reporting paths. I’m excited for him to use those skills to hold power to account at ProPublica.”
Before joining ProPublica, McMillan was a data journalist on the investigations team at NPR, where he skillfully intertwined reporting with data analysis. His innovative work included the development of tools that transformed raw governmental records into vital evidence for investigative stories. One notable achievement was his creation of a custom optical character recognition program that meticulously analyzed over 7,000 government work task files. This project played a crucial role in revealing how a federal program was responsible for the killing of thousands of wild animals, often with little oversight or accountability.
McMillan’s investigative prowess also shone through in a co-reported story that uncovered how power lines operated by Southern California Edison sparked new fires while firefighting crews were already battling existing blazes. He developed a tool that processed and transcribed more than 2,000 hours of first responder radio communications into searchable, time-stamped timelines, providing vital context and clarity to the unfolding crisis.
Prior to his impactful tenure at NPR, McMillan contributed to investigative documentaries at Newsy, where he reported on pressing issues such as the presence of white supremacists within the U.S. military and the long-term impacts of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rican schoolchildren. His dedication to revealing the truth behind complex social issues has earned him recognition from peers, with accolades including the National Press Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
In reflecting on his new role, McMillan shared his excitement, stating, “ProPublica has led the way for applying data and computational methodologies to uncover abuses of power. I am excited to join the team and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to investigations that serve the public.” With McMillan on board, ProPublica is poised to continue its mission of investigative journalism that not only informs but also holds those in power accountable for their actions.
