Veteran Haaretz Journalist Resigns, Cites Decline of Facts in Media

Veteran investigative journalist Gur Megiddo announced his departure from TheMarker, the business daily affiliated with the Haaretz newspaper, concluding a 12-year career focused on in-depth reporting. In a post on his X account, Megiddo stated that his upcoming investigation would be his last for the publication, signaling his decision to leave journalism altogether and pursue a new professional path.

Megiddo described his 12 years of investigative work as "exciting, cool, and sometimes scary," recounting his experiences dealing with powerful individuals, lawsuits, surveillance, and confrontations. He also reflected on a perceived decline in the status of facts within journalism during his tenure, noting that while he entered the profession during a period of transition, he once felt that journalistic work could drive significant change.

He recalled instances where his fact-based reporting led to investigations, prosecutions, the prevention of appointments, or the thwarting of decisions he deemed problematic. "As long as the facts I published drove processes, there was immense satisfaction in it. One can only miss it," he wrote.

Megiddo's resignation comes amid a period of upheaval at the Haaretz Group, which includes both Haaretz and TheMarker. This follows the recent dismissal of journalist Merav Moran, who covered urban planning, transportation, real estate, and urban economics. These changes are a consequence of Haaretz management's announcement in July regarding the need for staff reductions and narrowed coverage areas due to financial difficulties.

Following negotiations with the workers' committee, the number of layoffs was reduced by a third. An agreement was reached stipulating that up to 19 journalists would be called for hearings by mid-August 2026 under improved conditions. Additionally, the positions of up to five employees will be reduced, and job security against further downsizing will be guaranteed until July 2027, barring exceptional circumstances. Megiddo's announcement adds to the ongoing changes and departures within the organization.