Teri Sforza is a prominent investigative journalist known for her work in uncovering complex issues, focusing especially on social justice and accountability in the Southern California addiction treatment industry.
She has led significant coverage of fraud and abuse within the addiction treatment sector, notably in her "Rehab Riviera" series, which has garnered multiple awards for its in-depth reporting and social impact.
Sforza was a key contributor to the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into fertility fraud at the University of California, Irvine, demonstrating her ability to tackle challenging and sensitive topics.
As a watchdog reporter, Sforza has developed a keen focus on how local governments and nonprofits allocate and spend public money, advocating for transparency and accountability in public sector spending.
She has a background in investigative reporting that allows her to navigate and dissect complex systems, making her work both accessible and impactful for the public.
Sforza utilizes data journalism extensively, merging qualitative reporting with quantitative data to illustrate trends and issues more compellingly, which helps readers understand the extent of problems in the addiction treatment landscape.
Her reporting often involves the application of principles from social science, particularly in assessing community impact, government accountability, and public health concerns related to addiction treatment practices.
Teri Sforza has emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in the addiction treatment industry, discussing potential reforms necessary to increase accountability and protect vulnerable populations.
She is also known for her ability to humanize stories, sharing individual experiences of those affected by addiction, which helps to advocate for change within the industry.
Sforza's journalistic approach is described as "accountability reporting," where she prioritizes uncovering truths and serving the public interest by holding institutions responsible for their actions.
In 2024, she was recognized with the ASAM Media Award, which is presented by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, further illustrating her influence and contributions in the field of addiction reporting.
Sforza's work has implications for public health policy, particularly in the context of addiction treatment, where she argues for improved standards and regulations to ensure safe and effective care.
She has covered substantial stories on municipal bankruptcies, one notable instance being the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history at the time, reflecting her broad skill set across various journalism domains.
Sforza's analysis often includes reporting on government contracts and spending, revealing discrepancies that can highlight mismanagement or fraud.
In addition to her print journalism, she engages with audiences through multimedia content, including podcasts, where she discusses her investigative findings and the broader implications of her work.
Teri Sforza is an advocate for mental health awareness, often linking her reporting to the broader context of societal attitudes towards addiction and recovery.
Both her written articles and blogs serve to educate the public about complex issues, such as the influences of the addiction treatment industry on communities and individuals.
Sforza has demonstrated the impact of grassroots activism in bringing about change, illustrating how community voices can resonate and influence local policies regarding addiction treatment.
She leverages technology and modern digital tools to enhance her investigative reporting, illustrating how data can illuminate societal issues.
Teri Sforza’s career showcases the vital role of investigative journalism in democracy, proving that rigorous reporting can lead to real-world changes and greater accountability across various industries.