Investigative journalism is a type of
journalism that uncovers what others don't want uncovered. Investigative
journalism is also called watchdog journalism. An investigative journalist digs
deep into one story, whether it be corporate financial corruption, violent
crime, or other topics that might not get covered in everyday news.
One
of the main goals of investigative journalism is to spur change. An
investigative journalist might spend four years following a politician and
uncovering a money laundering crime to protect the people from electing a
criminal.
Then
again, simpler forms of investigative journalism provide citizens with news
stories via television networks and newspapers, but isn't the everyday sort of
news. It may be a local grocery story that is prejudiced toward hiring the
elderly or a school failing to support students with special needs.
Underneath
the umbrella term of investigative journalism is interpretive
reporting, which is a type of investigative journalism that evaluates the
consequences of certain events or actions.
Some basic principles
Let
us discuss some basic rules about investigative reporting before we move on to
the practical techniques.
News
value
Most
newspapers, radio and television stations get a lot of requests from people to
"investigate" some alleged wrongdoing. In many cases these are silly
matters, lies or hoaxes. But you should spend some time on each tip-off, to
decide whether or not it will make a story.
You
should judge all topics for investigative reporting on the criteria for what
makes news. Is it new, unusual, interesting, significant and about
people? Sometimes, the story might only affect one person and be so trivial
that it is not worth following up. Remember you have limited time and
resources, so you cannot follow every story idea. Use your news judgment.
Keep
your eyes and ears open
Always
be on the lookout for possible stories. Sometimes people will come to you with
tip-offs, but often you must discover the stories yourself. Story ideas can
come from what you read or overhear or even a sudden thought while you are
brushing your teeth. Good investigative reporters do not let any possible story
clues escape. They write them down because they might come in useful later.
Get
the facts
Because
investigative reporting means digging up hidden facts, your job will not be as
easy as reporting court or a public meeting. People will try to hide things
from you. You must gather as many relevant facts as you can, from as many
people as possible. Your facts must be accurate, so always check them.
And
do not expect dramatic results. Real life journalism is seldom like the stories
you see in films. Most investigations need many hours of work gathering lots
and lots of small details. You and your editor must realise this. If you are
not given enough time, you may not be able to do any successful investigative
reporting.
In
addition to gathering facts, you should also gather evidence to support those
facts. This is especially important in case you are taken to court for
defamation as a result of your investigation. Courts will only accept facts
which can be proved. If someone tells you something on the record, you can show
the court your notes, but it would also be useful to get a signed statutory
declaration from them.
When
investigating corruption or abuse, you will meet people who will only give you
information if you promise never to reveal their identity. This is very common
in criminal matters, where people are scared of pay-back.
You
can agree to these conditions but remember, sometime in the future a judge
examining the same matter in court may order you to reveal the name of such a
confidential source of information. You will be breaking the law if you refuse
to name your source, and could go to jail for contempt.
Happy Learning!
Anamika Gupta
IAAN
