Investigative journalism is a method of reporting that is in-depth and rigorous, often unearthing that which people in positions of power do not want us to know. This type of journalism aims to bring to our attention stuff that matters and, in doing so, to expose injustice and promote social justice.
It involves a thorough study of massive amounts of information, document analysis, in-depth interviews with the subject matter and those involved, as well as thorough fact-checking. This can take weeks, months and sometimes even years to complete a single piece of investigative journalism. Many investigative journalists are employed by established media outlets, but indy and new journalistic sources also do some of this work. Independent journalists have more freedom when doing their investigations, but they must provide their own legal coverage in case they are sued for defamation.
The aim of investigative journalism is to shine a light on public accountability, such as abuses of power, corruption and crime. This is done through pursuing leads, interviewing those who are the subjects of the investigation and their advocates, as well as extensive research and adhering to ethical reporting guidelines. Investigative journalists can publish in print newspapers, on the internet, create interactive digital elements, or broadcast on television and radio.
Those who do this work are often subject to intense scrutiny and have to deal with being blocked or censored by the subjects of their investigations. It is a hard and difficult job, often with little financial reward. However, this is the kind of job that the framers of our constitution believed was necessary to prevent tyranny and protect liberty.
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