Investigative journalism is a highly specialized and time-consuming form of reporting. It involves deep research, rigorous fact-checking and analysis to uncover hidden truths and expose corruption, misconduct and injustices. It is essential for promoting transparency and accountability, as well as driving social change.
For investigative journalists, the job is not only about discovering information that might be in the public domain but also tracking down sources who might be reluctant to talk on the record. This can mean using freedom of information laws to gain access to documents; working with whistleblowers to reveal confidential information, either on or off the record; and sometimes even employing subterfuge in the process (though not everyone agrees this is part of investigative journalism).
It can be challenging and complex work that often requires months or years to complete. But when done well, it can result in groundbreaking journalism that has the power to reshape entire industries and societies. Think of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle exposing conditions in Chicago meatpacking plants or Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s Watergate scandal. And more recently, The Boston Globe’s Spotlight team revealing widespread sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests.
These are some of the reasons why it’s important that aspiring investigative journalists study for a degree with a specialisation in this area. It gives them a head start in this competitive field and provides an opportunity to develop the skills needed to uncover stories that might not otherwise be told.