Throughout the world, there are many things that people want to keep secret. These can be personal matters, such as relationships within a family, or they can be decisions made by governments, organisations and companies that impact the lives of many people. Investigative journalism involves finding out about these issues and exposing them to the public.
An important part of investigative journalism is bringing to light evidence that someone has done something illegal or immoral. In addition, it can also draw attention to passive shortcomings in the operation of significant public and private bodies. This is a guardianship role that has historically resulted in reforms, and can help make societies healthier by treating people with more respect.
There are many different types of investigative journalism, and each requires different skills and approaches. However, they all share a commitment to achieving the highest standards of fairness and accuracy. Thorough fact-checking and verification are essential, and journalists should be transparent about their sources and potential conflicts of interest.
Often, investigations take weeks or even months to complete. This is because of the time spent searching through legal papers, archival records and financial information, as well as interviewing sources. It is important for investigative journalists to have a wide range of contacts and expertise, and be able to use subscription-based tools to find relevant information.
If you want to be an investigative journalist, start out with a local radio station, television show or newspaper, and work your way up through the ranks. This will give you experience and build your portfolio of successful stories. It is also a good idea to specialise in a specific area of investigative journalism, such as politics or crime, so that you develop the right skills and focus.