Print Journalism

PRINT JOURNALISM 4(1+3)

Lesson 9 : News Stories – Types

Investigative reporting

1. The investigation reporter is expected to dig deep beyond the facts stated in the hard news.
2. Though we may face difficultly in defining the term, we cannot ignore the concept of investigation journalism.
3. “Investigation” journalist sees himself as the conscience of society, pursuing corruption in high places without fear or favor.
4. Investigation reporting has 3 elements:-
1. It has to be the own work of the reporter. Under no circumstances should it be of others.
2. The subject of the reporting should be such that it is of importance for the reader to know;
3. There must not be any attempt made to hide the truth from the people.
5. Investigation reporting has made great leaps in western countries. In India, it is still in its infancy.
6. Most Indian newspapers do not have, or do not allocate. The manpower and funds necessary for a first- rate investigation job.
7. The investigation reporter should be combination of a crusader and a detective. He should have the necessary time and finance to carry out his work. In the pursuit of his quarry, the investigation reporter must draw a line between straight reporting and mud – slinging, character assassination or black mail.
8. He should base his report on incontrovertible facts not on half-truths and lies.
9. He should be vary of lobbies and lobbyists political or commercial trying to misguide him.
10. The best kind of investigation reporting is that which keeps the public interest in mind.
11. It may highlight an injustice, expose corrupt practices or unmask dishonest politicians and bureaucrats.
12. Experience has been that unless an investigative reporter or a crusading reporter get the support of the judiciary, the executive or the legislative, cannot bring his reporting to logical ends.