The topic
today is Investigative journalism. Firstly, we should be clear
about what is Investigation Journalism. There are three quotes which clearly
described the definition of it.
Ø “Isn’t all
journalism meant to involve questioning investigation
of facts and opinions presented to
us?” Ross Coulthart – Australian Investigative Journalist.
Ø "An
investigative journalist is … to discover the truth and to identify lapses from
it in whatever media may be available.” (2000)
Hugo de Burgh British Media Theorist.
Ø “ … what somebody
somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is just advertising.” Lord
Northcliffe Owner – The Times The Daily Mail.
For investigative,
it covers five IN’s.
Ø Intelligent
Ø Informed
Ø Intuitive
Ø Inside
Ø Invest
There are
some deeper definitions and purpose of investigative journalism:
1.
Critical and thorough journalism
2.
Custodians of conscience
3. To
provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account
4. Fourth
Estate / Fourth Branch of Govt / Watchdog
Fourth Estate:
Journalists represent the interests of those without power to balance the power
of government.
Fourth branch
of govt: Journalists ensure free flows of information necessary for the functioning
of democracy by interrogating the judiciary, executive and legislature.
Watchdog: Journalists
make accountable public personalities and institutions whose functions impact
social and political life.
THE KEY
IDEA:
ACTIVE
INTERVENTION
EXPOSURE
‘PUBLIC
INTEREST’
FOURTH
ESTATE / WATCHDOG
SCEPTICAL
NOT CYNICAL!
In the very
early time, many journalists had already noticed in this area.
‘Journalists’
uncritical dependence on their sources, orchestrated government leaks … media
units and press secretaries … can lead to [the media] becoming a mouthpiece for
vested interests.’
- Fitzgerald Report
(1989)
‘The ABC
cannot simply report; its legislation clearly implies that it should also work
within the best traditions of investigative journalism … systematically to
pursue issues of public concern through innovative and reliable journalism …’
- ABC (1985)
Remember: Historical
Investigations. TRAILBLAZERS!
Ø “The
Sydney Monitor” (1826) -- Edward Hall Smith
Ø “The
Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon” Campaign (1885) -- W . T . Stead & the
Salvos (William Booth)
Ø “The
Moonlight State” Chris Masters, Phil Dickie, Shaun Hoyt
When we
investigate, we should always check our facts, assume noting and expect
whistleblowers to be/ go crazy. Just like the old journalism saying: ‘if your
mother says she loves you, check it out.”
There is
the list of investigation interaction types:
l Interviews
l Observations
l Documents
l Briefings
l Leaks
l Trespass
l Theft
ONLINE NEWS
Less Money = Less Journalists + Less Time =
Less Investigative Journalism
The video: Investigative journalists - a dying breed?
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