Investigative journalism is a form of journalism which provides a voice for the powerless/voiceless and reports deeply investigate a single topic of interest, often involving crime, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. People sometimes use the terms "watchdog journalism".
Three Deeper definitions & Purposes:
u Critical and thorough journalism
*CRITICAL= the journalist is an active participant
*THOROUGH= Journalist makes a substantial effort (e.g. Time Spent)
u Custodians of conscience
- Takes society’s morals and norms and holds breaches up to public scrutiny
u Fourth Estate / Fourth Branch of Govt. / “Watchdog”
- Ensure free flows of information necessary → functioning of democracy
- Make accountable public personalities & institutions → impact social and political life
4 key ideas for Investigative journalism:
ü ACTIVE INTERVENTION
ü EXPOSURE
ü PUBLIC INTEREST
ü FOURTH ESTATE / WATCHDOG
What do they investigate?
ü Interviews
ü Observations (Research into social and legal issues)
ü Documents (e.g. law suits, legal docs, tax records, corporate financials,etc)
ü Briefings
ü Leaks
ü Trespass
ü Theft
What are the threats to Investigative Journalism then?
- Online news
- Public Relations (the selective use of ‘facts’ to present a persuasive case to the public)
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