Investigative journalism focuses on uncovering corruption, crime, and illegal practices that negatively affect people’s lives. This form of reporting has a crucial role to play in a democracy: to hold those in positions of authority accountable for their actions, and to report significant social concerns to the public.
It is important to remember that not every story will have a dramatic outcome, and it takes time to gather lots of small details for a successful investigation. This is why many investigative journalists work as freelancers and why it is essential to have good writing, research and communication skills.
The most effective investigative journalism focuses on the “big” stories: those that impact a large number of people. While the Watergate scandal may be the most famous example of an investigative piece, there are plenty more examples of revealing the decisions and events that impact society.
In the world of investigative journalism, it is crucial to have what acclaimed investigative reporter James Steele called a “document state of mind.” This means that there are always documents and data that can be unearthed in order to provide support for a story.
It is also important for investigative reporters to be open about their sources and any potential conflicts of interest. This allows readers to assess the credibility of the information and the ethics of its publication. It also helps to avoid publishing false or misleading information. Thorough fact-checking is a fundamental aspect of investigative journalism, and it is crucial that journalists be willing to invest time in checking and double-checking information.