Investigative journalism does not appear to be considered a charitable pursuit by the Charity Commission.

Third Sector reports today that the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has had a second application for charitable status turned down.

The not for profit bureau was launched in 2009 with a grant of £2m and relies on donations and grants to survive.

According to Third Sector, a Charity Commission spokeswoman said: “The promotion of investigative journalism is not a charitable purpose in itself. If charity funding were used to support investigative journalism, it would have to be shown to be doing so in order to advance a charitable aim, such as advancing education.”

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