Investigative journalism is when a journalist seeks out the truth behind issues of concern, such as abuses of power or crime. Investigative journalists identify potential problems, research their topic, pursue leads, interview people who are either in authority or have been wronged, and fact-check to adhere to ethical reporting guidelines. They may make content for news bulletins, magazines, television, the internet, and/or documentaries.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), an organization with more than 165 reporters from 65 countries, is a good example of how investigative journalism can be effective when journalists pool their resources and efforts. Their work has exposed organized crime, international tobacco companies, private military cartels, asbestos companies, and the Panama Papers.
Unlike other types of news, investigative reporting takes time and effort to complete. A reporter often has a lot of information to process and will need to write the story to present it in a way that makes sense to the reader. It is important for journalists to be transparent about their sources and avoid revealing any confidential information that could threaten individuals or organizations.
Investigative journalists also must weigh each tip they receive against their criteria for what constitutes a story. They don’t have the time to pursue every little thing that someone thinks they should investigate. They must judge each issue based on the facts and how it will impact the lives of other people. Sometimes, a story will be too trivial or a lie to warrant investigation.