Investigative journalism is the research that makes public all relevant information by revealing themes that are concealed, either purposefully or accidentally, under a chaotic mass of facts and events.
Investigative journalism is a kind of journalism in which reporters delve deeply into a particular subject of interest, most frequently a crime, official corruption, or unethical business practises. An investigative reporter may put months, if not years, into their research and report-writing. The majority of investigative reporting is done by newspapers, news networks, and independent journalists. Nonetheless, other professionals prefer to refer to their work as “accountability reporting” or “watchdog journalism.”
Investigative journalism is a good example of the proverb “the pen is mightier than the sword” when it comes to exposing financial, corrupt, or dominance-based indulgences in order to protect public duty or interest.
What Is Investigative Journalism, Exactly?
Investigative journalism typically includes some or all of the aspects listed below:
- Look at societal and judicial issues.
- Examining legal documents, public records, and financial data are all included in document analysis.
- Numerous in-depth conversations with both anonymous and on-the-record sources.
- specialized equipment’s technical specifications, research, and physical inspection
- Use tools that require a membership to perform research when exploring data that takes months, years, or even decades to finish.
Impact of Investigative journalism
The ability of investigative journalism to affect laws and policies is one of its most important effects. For instance, new rules or regulations intended at preventing similar conduct in the future may arise from investigations into business wrongdoing or political corruption. Investigative reporting on illicit activity occasionally even results in the filing of criminal charges against offenders.
Moreover, investigative journalism can have a significant influence on debate and public opinion. Investigative journalists can increase awareness and promote public discussion by shedding light on significant issues and drawing attention to them. The public’s beliefs and behaviours may change as a result, and it may even influence how policies are made.
Investigative journalism can have a substantial impact on the people and communities touched by the secret tales being revealed, in addition to its influence on changes in law and policy. Investigations of institutional racism or police brutality, for instance, may raise public awareness of these problems and contribute to the development of a society that is more just and equitable.
Investigative reporting, nevertheless, can also have unfavourable effects, including the risk it poses to journalists and their sources and the possibility of physical or verbal revenge against those engaged. Investigative reporting is still popular among journalists because it allows them to shed light on significant issues and hold strong institutions responsible.
Read More: The Ethics of Journalism: Maintaining Objectivity, Accuracy, and Integrity – About Pakistan
Investigative journalism: Why Is It Important?
Investigative reporting aims to hold powerful people, government officials, criminals, corporations, and nations accountable for their actions. Investigative journalism makes guarantee that no one is above the law by exposing corruption and malpractice. It is a deeply democratic activity built on the principles of justice, freedom, and truth.
Investigative reporting also brings attention to underrepresented groups, providing the voiceless with a much-needed stage. In the past, this has led to changes in the legislation and cultural norms, creating healthier societies with more individuals receiving respect and dignity. For instance, Elizabeth Seaman, better known by her byline Nellie Bly and a writer for Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World, claimed to be mentally ill in 1887 in order to expose the appalling conditions at New York City’s “Women’s Lunatic Hospital.” A Grand Jury probe and greater funding for mental health facilities were sparked by Seaman’s widely-read publications. By conducting in-depth investigations and reporting on injustices, investigative journalism also advances the public interest.
Investigative reports that give readers, listeners, and viewers the required updates do this. Investigative journalism serves as a public watchdog against those in positions of authority abusing their position. The media cannot be abused by people in positions of power simply because it is independent. Investigative journalism has consequently emerged as the public’s exclusive resource for obtaining the truth about matters that are kept secret. Yet regrettably, the history of investigative justice is rife with discoveries of covert terrorism, bribery, fraud, and deception.
It is obvious that this may have gone unreported for years if not for investigative media. Investigative reporting thus serves as a forum for educating the public about what is happening in society.
Culture and Investigative Journalism
For the cultural ideals of contemporary society, investigative journalism is essential. This is due in part to the important part it plays in the development of society. Today’s society is preoccupied with securing justice in light of investigative journalism. Investigative journalism’s significance and sway over the community can be linked to the information culture. This is enhanced by the informative quality of investigative journalism. An interest in finding out more about what is happening in society has been stoked by investigative journalism. At the same time, the public’s opinion of the media has drastically increased in this area.
The media is therefore trusted by society to provide the truth behind numerous incidents. The media’s responsibility has grown as a result since it is now required to conduct investigations to gather information and report it.
What Constitutes Investigative Journalism’s Elements?
Investigative journalism’s core elements include the following:
Complete investigation
An investigative journalism report is the result of many hours, days, or even years of research. It is the result of a journalist’s or a team of journalists’ enormous efforts in gathering and studying a sizable amount of information and materials. Every piece of information is verified with factual proof twice or even three times before conclusions are drawn.
Sequential
Being confronted with such a vast amount of material makes it simple to get disoriented, baffled, and overloaded. Investigative journalists sift through mounds of data in a logical and purposeful manner.
Investigative journalists utilise a method similar to a scientist’s to find the truth. Investigative journalists dig further into data after receiving a tip, investigate possibilities, test emerging hypotheses, double-check information with many sources, and ultimately come to certain unchangeable truths.
Finding the truth about the situation
Investigative reporting goes beyond the story’s surface elements, which is a key distinction between traditional and investigative journalism. A typical journalist would be happy to let the news slide after it has been reported.
Yet, the nature of an investigative journalist’s work forces them to uncover the real story, thus the investigation continues until all the relevant facts are made public.
Interviewing People And Checking Information
Consider how an investigative journalist might cover a typical noteworthy event, such a building catching fire, to demonstrate how they would approach a subject.
A typical reporter would go to the scene and gather information on an event:
What
Who
Why
Where
How
The following day, you’ll probably read or hear on the news about a store that caught fire.
On the other hand, an investigative journalist will go further. Investigative journalists who are looking for the “real story” may learn that the proprietors of the little shop were repeatedly threatened with eviction by a business that had corporate characteristics.
Inquiring into Hypotheses
The investigative journalist will then start making connections, speaking with people, conducting interviews, and sifting through documents to determine the veracity of the theory that the large company competing for the store’s space was directly responsible for the firestorm that destroyed the store.
What Function Does An Investigative Journalist Perform?
Investigative reporters usually write about important themes like societal trends or political developments:
Usually, a news director or editor gives them a topic to write about.
Investigative journalists carry out research, identify and speak with subject matter experts, arrange interviews, and fact-check the information they gather after receiving their assignment. They then assemble the information and write a narrative that reflects their conclusions and provides support.
To ensure correct style, spelling, and grammar usage, investigative journalists review their work before forwarding it to the news director or editor.
Investigative reporting used to be exclusive to print media, but as technology has developed, many journalists are now producing content for blogs, podcasts, and social networking sites. Subfields in this area include the following:
Political reporting
Politics-focused investigative journalists seek to keep the public informed about national and local political topics and candidates so that their readers can cast informed ballots.
Worldwide Journalism
Reports on current events around the world, such as notable criminal cases, are researched, studied, and published by investigative journalists who work in global and international media. In addition to producing content for television, the internet, and newscasts, they also produce documentaries to share their stories.
Televised journalism
Any investigative reports published on the internet, television, or radio fall under this broad category of journalism. The main goal of broadcast journalism is to quickly provide important information and news to a big audience.
Newspaper journalism
Investigative journalists tell their stories through books, magazines, and tabloids.
Famous Investigative Journalism Cases Throughout History
See some of the most notable investigative journalism stories to discover how history has been impacted by watchdog responsibility.
Ten Days At A Mental Institution (1887)
Nellie Bly’s Ten Days At A Mental Institution (1887) exposed the terrible conditions of a mental facility, leading to increased funding for mental health care and a grand jury probe into the institution.
Moses Newson’s Feature On The Civil Rights Movement (The 1950s-1960s)
Moses Newson was a Black reporter who covered the civil rights movement in the 1950s-1960s, including Emmett Till’s murder, school desegregation, and the 1961 Freedom Rides. His reporting helped Americans understand and sympathize with the human rights movement’s ideals.
Silent Spring (1962)
Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring (1962) exposed data on pesticide toxicity, leading to the ban on DDT and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. It also sparked a green movement that led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Massacre At My Lai (1969)
Seymour Hersh’s research into the 1968 massacre of over 500 Vietnamese civilians in My Lai by US soldiers sparked unrest and aided the peace movement. The sole person convicted was Lt. William Calley, who led one of the three platoons implicated in the killings. President Richard Nixon released him after spending three years, mainly under home detention.
“Bad Cash or Easy Money” (1992)
Two Florida journalists investigated a sheriff’s interstate narcotics team and discovered that it confiscated $8 million from primarily Black and Hispanic motorists in 262 car stops. This led to the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act being passed in 2000, which allowed proprietors of seized assets to be paid for legal fees incurred in successfully fighting the government. However, it did not modify state law.
The Secret Surveillance on Muslim Communities (2011)
The New York Police Department used a covert surveillance program to monitor and penetrate mosques and Muslim community organizations, based on nationality and religion rather than probable cause. Three lawsuits were filed due to the inquiry, all of which were settled in favor of persons unlawfully wiretapped. The administration agreed to increased supervision.
Harvey Weinstein (2017)
The New York Times and The New Yorker released stories against Harvey Weinstein, a prominent Hollywood executive, within days of each other. More than 80 women have alleged Weinstein of sexual misbehavior or abuse, alleging that he used his status, riches, and network of aides to advance his sexual activity. Weinstein was charged with rape, aggressive sexual abuse, and illicit sexual encounter; investigations in other places are underway. The news reports sparked the #MeToo movement, in which women spoke out against elevated men who they claimed had sexually abused them.
Investigative journalism’s value to society
Authorities adopt policies or regulations that have an impact on society. Because of this, society needs mechanisms for holding these people responsible for their deeds. This maintains equilibrium. The same holds true for businesses that violate human rights or engage in tax avoidance. Investigative journalism is a powerful tool for enhancing accountability and holding government and business leaders responsible. Stories that are significant to society are revealed through investigative reporting and critical reporting.
You have a right to accurate information on the actions and judgements made by politicians and other government officials as a citizen. For you, the citizen, investigative journalism provides clarity and offers unbiased, trustworthy information so you do not have to behave irrationally on information that you get.
Legal Threats
Because of their job, many investigative journalists are detained and charged. Many times, persons in positions of authority enact legislation that allow for the criminalization of journalists’ writings, even years after the date of publication. The prosecution of the Filipino journalist Maria Ressa serves as one illustration of this. On the basis of a 2012 piece, she was charged with libel in February 2019, but at the time, this was not a crime. Shortly after the story was published, the authorities changed the law. The authorities were able to charge Maria Ressa in 2014 when a typographical error in the piece was fixed and they labelled it a re-publication. There are six counts against her that collectively might result in a 100-year prison sentence and are all related to her profession as a journalist.
The phenomenon of SLAPP suits is also a regularly used strategy for impeding journalists, in addition to passing and amending legislation. This is a collection of lawsuits designed to overburden journalists and put them in a difficult financial situation. Libel tourism is another trend, where the fact that an online item can be viewed by anyone, anywhere is used as justification to sue the author everywhere. As a result, it is feasible for a journalist to face legal action in multiple nations. Also, it is common practice to attempt to intimidate journalists by falsely charging them of crimes unrelated to their work as journalists.
Example of Arshad Sharif
One of the recent examples is of a Pakistani Journalist Arshad Shareef, who was brutally murdered in Kenya. Arshad Sharif, a critic of Pakistan’s army, was assassinated in late October when police opened fire on his automobile outside Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Nairobi police eventually apologized for the incident, explaining that it had been a case of “mistaken identification” while looking for a similar car connected to a case of kidnapping.
Read More: Role of Ethics in Leadership – About Pakistan
Bottom Line
Investigative journalism needs to be accountable. It is the sole means of controlling the extremes of riches and power.
Investigative journalism relies on extensive research, a relentless pursuit of the truth, freedom, and justice, as well as an iterative process of hypothesis and testing, to produce the big story. Furthermore, in order for a democracy to work properly, journalists must pursue their subjects without outside interference or manipulation in order to inform the public about important social and economic issues.
