Chris Knap

Chris Knap serves as a Lecturer in the Journalism & Public Relations department at California State University, Long Beach's College of Liberal Arts, leveraging over 30 years of experience as an investigative reporter, editor, and journalism educator specializing in public policy, business, and healthcare reporting.

Education

• Bachelor of Journalism, West Virginia University

Professor Knap's research focuses on investigative methodologies exposing institutional corruption and systemic failures, particularly in healthcare cost-quality relationships and public policy accountability. His landmark nine-month investigation at the Orange County Register demonstrated that high healthcare costs do not guarantee quality care, establishing him as a pioneer in data-driven consumer advocacy journalism.

Scientific Awards

• Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting Finalist (2004)
• Multiple Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards
• California News Publishers Association Honors
• National Association of Consumer Advocates Recognition

As an educator, Knap mentors students in investigative techniques and ethical reporting practices, drawing from his supervision of regional issues teams at Southern California Public Radio. His industry experience bridges classroom instruction with real-world media challenges, particularly in public policy coverage.

Knap previously led investigative teams at the Orange County Register and supervised regional reporters at KPCC, fostering collaborative approaches to complex policy stories across multimedia platforms.