Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is crucial in the development of new found news. 

'Isn't all journalism meant to involve questioning, investigation of facts and opinions presented to us?"

-Ross Coulthart- (Australian Investigative Journalist)

Investigative journalism involves talent. I feel to be able to investigate appropriately on an issue of primary salience and controversy is a vital characteristic for a journalist. The following 'IN''s of INvestigative journalism were outlined in the lecture:
- INtelligence (well thought out and understood before thorough and poor investigation begins)
- INformed (know what you are going to be talking about and be aware of the contributing factors)

- INtuitive (rely on you gut instinct in reference to danger and security of yourself and the community)
- INside (be aware of what is actually going on with knowledge of inside information)
- INvest (put yourself out there and use all your personal contacts)
All these 'IN''s serve so much purpose in the means of investigating a story. Without these investigative characteristics, the investigating fails.

In this lecture we also looked at the deeper definitions and purpose of investigative journalism, being:
1. Critical and thorough journalism
CRITICAL = it's crucial that the journalist is an active participant in checking out the information for all stories.

"ACTIVE INTERVENTION"

was the main 

THOROUGH = Journalist makes a substantial effort. (ie. time spent, sources consulted, and thorough approach)

2. Custodians of conscience

'investigation takes society's morals and norms and holds breaches up to public scrutiny; in other words, what they call 'civic vice' is exposed for society to respond.'

"EXPOSURE"

3. To provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account.

This element is all about the giving power to the powerless, and a voice to the voiceless. The presence of Social Justice. 

"PUBLIC INTEREST"

4. Fourth Estate/ Fourth branch of Government/ "Watch Dog"

All these elements are powerful in the means of agenda setting and news values as mentioned in previous blogs. 

Attention was brought to this idea of 'Shoe Leather' journalism. Ultimately meaning wearing out the leather in your shoes by walking around and finding out what is actually going o. GET OUT THERE! let's face it, there wasn't always google and wikipedia. 

This ideology of being SCEPTICAL NOT CYNICAL is brought to life investigative journalism. 

Sceptical - 'taking things with a grain of salt'. Everything that is said, it is necessary to question its content.

Cynical - don't just completely disregard the information as false.

John Pilger is an Australian (International) Investigative Journalist who now makes films that expose mainly America's stuff ups over the years. He made a statement in regard to cutting through the agenda of the news.

"It is not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the message and myths that surround it."

I learnt from this of the power in changing the agenda of the media in finding new information to cover a story. I felt this was very evident in analysing historical investigative journalists work and how they have powerfully changed an agenda and the world!

In 1826 Edward Hall Smith made a history defining move in the development of investigative journalism. He campaigned against the official corruption and ill treatment of convict labour in his print called "The Sydney Monitor". Smith was sent to jail. Such a change in investigative journalism!

Another Trailblazer in investigative journalist history that I felt stood out to me in this lecture was "The Moonlight State". I was so interested in the details of this case that I was amazed I hadn't shown any interest in it earlier. It was highlighted of the contribution from so many people in the coverage of this investigation and how important it was in the media. The two years of investigation was so worthwhile in revealing this story to the public. Oh how I love journalists!

Local investigative journalism sources include:

-the global mail

-the CRICKEY website

-Australian Story

The lecture stated an old journalism saying that I found very accurate,

'If your mum says she loves you, check it out!"

Ultimately this teaches aspiring journalists to assume nothing, to always check your facts and expect whistleblowers to be/go crazy. I liked these three little rules of investigative journalism, they were so true! 

The varying types of investigative interaction are fairly obvious, being interviews, observations, documents, briefings, leaks, trespassing and theft. (Some legal, some not to legal..)

In looking at present threats to investigative journalism, it is considered of the influence of Online News. The lecture addressed this issue in saying:

Less money = less journalists + less time (which ultimately leads to) LESS INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM! 

Another threat included the fight between Journalism and PR. 

PR being the propaganda by truths in the form of a persuasive case.

Journalism being verifying the facts in the public eye. 

GROWTH IN PR = SHRINKAGE IN JOURNALISM.

I believe that investigative journalism can't die. We need it! Sure with the adaptations of social networking, the way in which we consume media and interpret it is altered, but the investigative side is crucial in uncovering hidden stories. 

In conclusion, it was looked at of the changes in PR with Journalism. 

PR

-resistance to exposure

-dodging questions

-massaging talent

-cleaning up stories (spin)

Journalism

-no intervention

-no shoe leather

-lack of depth

-formulaic reporting

I appreciate journalism. Investigative journalism takes talent and skill, a talent and skill I want to learn to do well. 

21.05.2012