Investigative Journalism

We live in a world that is often superficial and corrupt; however it is the fundamental part of journalism, Investigative Journalism, which is the fighting force against this. Investigative Journalism is considered a much more honorable area of the media, in which the true meaning of what it is to be a journalist is evident.

While the overarching point to remember is trust, other key aspects of INvestigative Journalism are:

INtelligent          INside         INformed         INtuitive            INvest

Delving further into the concept of Investigative Journalism these conclusions can be made:

Investigative Journalism is… Critical and Thorough Journalism

·         Critical meaning journalist is an active participant (“Active Intervention” is the key idea).

·         Thorough meaning the Journalist makes a substantial effort (time spent, sources consulted and a thorough approach).

Investigative Journalists are… Custodians of Conscience

·         The investigation takes society’s morals and norms and holds breaches up to public scrutiny; ‘civic vice’ is exposed for society to respond (exposure).

Investigative Journalism aims to… Provide a voice for those without one and to hold the   powerful to account

·         Social Justice – power to the powerless, voice to the voiceless (public interest focused).

Investigative Journalism is the… Fourth Estate / Fourth Branch of Government / Watchdog

·         Journalists represent the interests of those without power to balance the power of government.

·         Journalists ensure free flows of information necessary for the functioning of democracy by interrogating the judiciary, executive and legislature.

·         Journalists make public personalities and institutions whose functions impact social and political life accountable.

The world of Investigative Journalism is exciting and rewarding however that reward does not come without a lot of hard work and self-sacrifice. But without such journalists, what kind of place would the world be?

I’d like to finish with these words from Lord Northcliffe…   

“(Investigative Journalism is) what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is just advertising”.