Investigative journalism is a specific set of methods that can take years to master. From the muckraker articles of McClure’s magazine around the turn of the century through to the Watergate scandal that forced the resignation of President Nixon, it has long been used to scrutinize powerful individuals and expose secret wrongdoing by governments and businesses.
Typically, it involves detailed and time-consuming research that looks into a particular issue of public interest such as corruption, government abuses, corporate misconduct, environmental degradation, etc. Methods include careful searching, cross-referencing and verifying public documents; making use of freedom of information laws to place more data in the public domain; receiving leaks of confidential or private documents; persuading people to talk on or off the record; and, occasionally, conducting surveillance and/or subterfuge.
While there are many benefits to working as an investigative journalist, it is not for everyone. The work is difficult and stressful, often resulting in sleepless nights. In addition, it can be risky, especially in countries with a history of political or social instability where the rigors of investigation can lead to death threats and lawsuits. It can also be very expensive, as the costs of hiring a team and researching for months or even years on a single story can bankrupt new outlets.
Thorough verification is essential, and it’s also important to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. It’s critical to balance the public’s right to know with ethical considerations, such as the risk of harming people or institutions by publishing false or misleading information.
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