Investigative Journalism

Investigative Journalism is a form of journalism that seeks to uncover the truth about complex issues, often involving corruption, misconduct, or other hidden activities. The idea is that something is being purposefully hidden, and so the investigation is revealing that stubbornly hidden truth. Unlike routine news reporting, investigative journalism requires in-depth research, extensive interviews, and a commitment to uncovering facts that are often deliberately concealed.

Because investigative journalism also involves creating original content, it also incurs significant legal liability of being sued for libel, slander, and defamation. Most media outlets have stopped doing this kind of journalism.

Characteristics and Methods[edit]

Investigative journalism is characterized by its thorough and meticulous approach to uncovering information. Journalists in this field often spend months, or even years, on a single story, using a variety of methods to gather evidence:

• In-depth Research: Investigative journalists dive deep into documents, databases, and archives to find relevant information. This often includes public records, court documents, and other official sources.

• Interviews: Conducting extensive interviews with sources is crucial. Journalists seek out individuals who have direct knowledge of the issue at hand, including whistleblowers, experts, and those directly involved.

• Undercover Work: Sometimes, journalists may go undercover to gain firsthand insights and evidence that would be inaccessible through conventional means. This method, while controversial, can be instrumental in revealing hidden truths.

• Data Analysis: Modern investigative journalism increasingly relies on data journalism techniques. Analyzing large datasets can reveal patterns and anomalies that point to wrongdoing.

Notable Examples & People[edit]

Investigative journalism has played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and policy by bringing critical issues to light:

• Watergate Scandal: Perhaps the most famous example, the investigative work of journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein for The Washington Post uncovered the Watergate scandal, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.

• The Pentagon Papers: In 1971, The New York Times published the Pentagon Papers, a classified government report detailing the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam. The publication, based on leaked documents, significantly altered public perception of the Vietnam War.

• Expose of Harvey Weinstein: Journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey of The New York Times, along with Ronan Farrow of The New Yorker, conducted investigations that exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of sexual abuse. Their work ignited the #MeToo movement, leading to a broader societal reckoning with sexual harassment and abuse.

Journalists Currently Doing Investigative Journalism

• James O'Keefe
• Project Veritas

References[edit]

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