An undercover report is a form of investigative journalism that involves the journalist adopting a false identity to gather information, often by recording with a hidden camera. It can reveal a wide range of wrongdoing, from abuse of vulnerable people to corruption in powerful institutions.
But going undercover can be incredibly difficult and dangerous – especially for those who are filmed or exposed in the course of their work. And it’s rarely the first option journalists should consider, as other ways of gathering the story are usually more cost-effective and safer for everyone involved.
When it is used responsibly, however, undercover report can provide vital information on complex issues that cannot easily be uncovered through more conventional reporting methods. It can also be a powerful tool to expose major breaches of law, or systematic mistakes that have the potential to harm large numbers of people.
Nevertheless, a number of barriers remain to the use of this technique in modern journalism, and it’s perhaps not surprising that undercover report has something of a bad reputation among many mainstream newsrooms today. Frivolous tabloid press hidden-camera stings, rare cases of entrapment, and rampant over-use in some countries have all contributed to a growing lack of public trust in the profession.
Journalists who are considering a project that involves going undercover should consult outside advisors and make sure they fully understand the legal perils, acceptable strategies and publishable facts before they start. And they should always have a plan in place to ensure their own and team members’ safety, such as a system for quickly signaling the need to end the ruse or call an emergency alarm button.