Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply investigate a single topic of interest, often involving crime, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing.

What is the meaning of investigative journalism?

Investigative Journalism means the unveiling of matters that are concealed either deliberately by someone in a position of power, or accidentally, behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances – and the analysis and exposure of all relevant facts to the public.

What is investigative journalism Why is it important?

Most of the time investigative journalism involves the reporting of crime, corruption, unethical practices in organizations. Such a kind of reporting is meant to inform the public about the hidden ills in society. Therefore investigative journalism essentially serves as a watch dog of the society.

What are investigative journalists called?





“Muckraker” is a name given to progressive journalists and writers in the early 20th century. The term is still sometimes used today to refer to investigative journalists.

What is another name used to refer to investigative journalism?

Investigative journalism is also called watchdog journalism.

What are the characteristics of investigative journalism?

While definitions of investigative reporting vary, among professional journalism groups there is broad agreement of its major components: systematic, in-depth, and original research and reporting, often involving the unearthing of secrets.

What are the principles of investigative journalism?



Below, Woodward shares his four principles of investigative journalism.



Use these to guide you in the process of finding and reporting your own stories.

  • Move outside your comfort zone. …
  • Leave opinion out. …
  • Avoid taking political sides.

What is the difference between journalism and investigative journalism?

Unlike conventional reporting, where reporters rely on materials supplied by the government, NGOs and other agencies, investigative reporting depends on material gathered through the reporter’s own initiative.



Who do investigative journalists investigate and why?

In investigative journalism reporters dig deeply into a single story that may uncover corruption, call for a review of government policies or those of corporate houses, or draw attention to social, economic, political or cultural trends (Nazakat & Media Programme, ).

Who made investigative journalism?

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, newspapers increased their investigative reporting. Lawyer-turned-investigative reporter Clark Mollenhoff at the Des Moines Register and others provided inspiration for local investigative reporting at newspapers across the nation.

How do you define investigation?

Investigation, examination, inquiry, research express the idea of an active effort to find out something. An investigation is a systematic, minute, and thorough attempt to learn the facts about something complex or hidden; it is often formal and official: an investigation of a bank failure.

Who is the best investigative journalist?



The top 10 investigative journalists in 2021

  • Hayden Field, Morning Brew. Based in New York City, Hayden is a tech, business and investigative reporter. …
  • Jen Christensen, CNN. …
  • Lexy Lebsack, freelance writer. …
  • Joseph Menn, Reuters. …
  • Olivia Carville, Bloomberg News. …
  • Bill Alpert, Barron’s. …
  • A.C. …
  • Kat Stafford, Associated Press.

What is investigative journalism examples?

Analysis of documents, such as lawsuits and other legal documents, tax records, government reports, regulatory reports, and corporate financial filings. Databases of public records. Investigation of technical issues, including scrutiny of government and business practices and their effects.

How do investigative journalists find stories?

Traditionally, journalists find stories and sources by getting first-hand information, building relationships with PR companies, searching for people and companies, and investigating in person. There were no platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO), Qwoted, or ProfNet.

What is the importance of photojournalism?

Photojournalism is able to provide further context to stories being reported on. These photographs can make a story more tangible and provide further depth to an article. They can also be stand-alone pieces giving further insights into events or other newsworthy moments.

Who do investigative journalists investigate and why?



In investigative journalism reporters dig deeply into a single story that may uncover corruption, call for a review of government policies or those of corporate houses, or draw attention to social, economic, political or cultural trends (Nazakat & Media Programme, ).

What is the significance of investigation?

The purpose of an investigation is to establish relevant facts to prove or disprove allegations of fraud and corruption. It is a legally established fact-finding process conducted in an impartial and objective manner, with the aim to establish the relevant facts and make recommendations in this connection.

Why is investigative journalism necessary for democracy?

Revealing Truths and Holding Power to Account



With politically motivated attacks on the media, restricted access to the halls of power, and diminished funding for local coverage, the field of investigative reporting is critical to protecting our democracy.

What is investigative journalism examples?

Analysis of documents, such as lawsuits and other legal documents, tax records, government reports, regulatory reports, and corporate financial filings. Databases of public records. Investigation of technical issues, including scrutiny of government and business practices and their effects.

Where do investigative journalists work?

Most investigative journalists work as freelancers, but you can also find them working in an agency or under an editor at a television station, radio program, website, magazine or newspaper. These professionals analyze trends, perform research and organize news stories into an easy-to-read narrative structure.

What is the history of investigative journalism?



The media in its adversarial role have their roots in investigative journalism, which began in earnest during the late 18th century. During that time U.S. and British newspapers began to question official actions and seek information from other sources.

What is the difference between journalism and investigative journalism?

Unlike conventional reporting, where reporters rely on materials supplied by the government, NGOs and other agencies, investigative reporting depends on material gathered through the reporter’s own initiative.

Who started the investigative journalism?

W. T. Stead is considered to be the founding father of investigative journalism and the inventor of the sensationalism that gave rise to tabloid newspapers. His famous investigation into the trafficking of young girls in 1885 landed him in jail – but it helped to ensure a law was passed that raised the age of consent.

Who is the best investigative journalist?

The top 10 investigative journalists in 2021

  • Hayden Field, Morning Brew. Based in New York City, Hayden is a tech, business and investigative reporter. …
  • Jen Christensen, CNN. …
  • Lexy Lebsack, freelance writer. …
  • Joseph Menn, Reuters. …
  • Olivia Carville, Bloomberg News. …
  • Bill Alpert, Barron’s. …
  • A.C. …
  • Kat Stafford, Associated Press.

Does investigative journalism still exist?



It is a global network of more than 190 investigative journalists in more than 65 countries who work together to investigate cross-border issues including crime, corruption and abuse of power.

What are the 7 types of journalism?

Types of journalism Regarding Hard News

  • Investigative Journalism. …
  • Political Journalism. …
  • Crime Journalism. …
  • Business Journalism. …
  • Arts Journalism. …
  • Celebrity Journalism. …
  • Education Journalism. …
  • Sports Journalism.

Is journalism a dying field?

In 2008, there were 114,000 newsroom employees. By 2020, that number had declined to 85,000. Newsrooms are struggling to survive in the digital age. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center study, 86% of adults get their news from a digital device and fewer rely on radio or print to get the news.

Is journalism a stressful job?



Researchers had started publishing studies showing journalists were vulnerable to stress and at risk of developing anxiety and insomnia. And since then the impact of journalists’ work on their mental health has been well-documented.

How hard is a journalism degree?

A journalism degree is about as hard as any other liberal arts degree. Liberal arts majors are generally easier than STEM majors so this can give you a relative idea of the difficulty involved in a journalism major.