Investigative Journalism

All journalism is investigative. Facts are checked; quotes verified. However, the specialty known as investigative journalism is a form that requires a blend of detective abilities, disciplined writing and editing, and the determination to follow a trail when the outcome is uncertain.

Investigative journalism uncovers the crucial information that breaks open a secret, putting into view that which the public needs to know. Primarily, it entails digging deeper into a particular issue or topic, unveiling hidden truths, exposing wrongdoing, and holding powerful entities or individuals accountable for their actions.

The intricate process of publishing an investigative journalism story demands meticulous research, unwavering dedication to uncovering truth, and a commitment to ethical reporting. It begins with a compelling idea or tip, followed by exhaustive research, data analysis, and on-the-ground investigation, to get access to first hand information. The task of fact-checking, corroborating evidence from multiple sources, and ensuring legal and ethical compliance then ensues.

Crafting a compelling narrative that presents complex information in a digestible format, while upholding journalistic standards, is pivotal.

This involves multiple rounds of editorial review, further fact-checking, and addressing potential legal implications that happen in war rooms. In the world of journalism, war rooms are command centers where journalists and researchers collaborate intensively on a particular investigation and determine whether or not a story is worth it. Once finalized, the story is prepared for publication, considering the most impactful timing and suitable platforms.

Post-publication, engagement with the audience, monitoring the story’s impact, and the readiness for potential follow-up stories complete this arduous yet vital process.

However, the strenuousness of publishing an exposé persists as powerful interests or individuals often use money and connections to suppress negative investigative stories. The methods of intimidation vary from strategic lawsuits, government intervention in several countries, funding withdrawals and personal pressure built up on journalists and editors.

Despite this, numerous journalists have made significant contributions to the field with their relentless pursuit of stories that often remain hidden and an unwavering commitment to the truth.

Notably, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, known for their work on the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Nixon, worked for The Washington Post and their investigative reporting was pivotal in exposing political corruption.

Historically, another pioneering investigative journalist known for her work on documenting lynching in the United States is Ida B. Wells, who advocated for civil rights and equality. Renowned for his investigative reporting, Seymour Hersh’ coverage of the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War and his exposés in The New Yorker are widely acclaimed.

The list of prominent investigative journalists is extensive with the likes of David Barstow, Julian Assange, Ronan Farrow, Lowell Bergman, Ida Tarbell, Frederick and Bastien Obermaier, Jane Mayer, Nellie Bly, Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Barton Gellman.

At its core, investigative journalism is a beacon of accountability, aiming to hold individuals, institutions, and even governments responsible for their actions. Hence, the emergence of standalone investigative reporting newsrooms came into play in the 1900s. Among the pristine nonprofits are Center For Investigative Reporting, Bellingcat, Frontline, Arizona Center For Investigative Reporting, Center For Investigative Reporting (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Canadian Association of Journalists and Center For Investigative Journalism (United Kingdom).