Investigative Journalism

Investigative Journalism

"An investigative journalist is a man or woman whose profession it is to discover the truthand to identify lapses from itin whatever media may be available. The act of doing this generally is called investigative journalismand is distinct from apparently similar work done by police, lawyers, auditors and regulatory bodies ...” (2000)

Investigative Journalism should be:　

Investigative

Intellegent

Informed

Intuitive

Inside

Invest

Role of Investigative journalism1. Critical and thorough journalism
Critical= The Journalist is an active participant

Thorough= Journalist makes a substansive effort, time spent, sources consulted ect.


2. Custodians of conscience
Investigation takes society’s morals and norms and holds breaches up to public scrutiny; in other words, what they call ‘civic vice’ is exposed for society to respond.

3. To provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account
Social Justice –power to the powerless, voice to the voiceless.
"PUBLIC INTEREST" –the key idea.
4. Fourth Estate / Fourth Branch of Govt/ "Watchdog"
Journalists represent the interests of those without power to balance the power of government. Journalists ensure free flows of information necessary for the functioning of democracy by interrogating the judiciary, executive and legislature. Journalists make accountable public personalities and institutions whose functions impact social and political life
TYPES OF INVESTIGATION INTERACTION
Interviews
Observations
Documents
Briefings
Leaks
Trespass
Theft
INVESTIGATION METHODS

Interviewing
Numerous interviews with on-the-record sources as well as, in some instances, interviews with anonymous sources eg. whistleblowers

Observing
Investigation of technical issues, scrutiny of government and business practices and their effects. Research into social and legal issues

Analysing documents
(law suits, legal docs, tax records, corporate financials, FOI (Freedom of Information) material)

Threats to investigative journalism
ONLINE NEWS: Less Money = Less Journalists + Less Time = Less Investigative Journalism