What is investigative journalism?

Investigative journalism is a type of reporting that digs deeply into a topic to uncover hidden facts, wrongdoing, or issues that affect the public interest. It often focuses on corruption, abuse of power, crime, corporate misconduct, or other matters people may try to keep secret.

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Quick Scoop

Unlike everyday news reporting, investigative journalism usually takes weeks, months, or even years. Reporters often rely on interviews, public records, data, documents, and cross-checking evidence to build a story that is carefully verified.

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What it does

  • Exposes hidden problems or wrongdoing.
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  • Helps hold governments, companies, and powerful people accountable.
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  • Brings important information into public view so people can understand what is happening.
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Common methods

  • Interviewing people involved or affected.
  • Reviewing public records, court filings, and databases.
  • Checking facts against multiple sources.
  • Using documents, leaked material, or freedom-of-information requests when appropriate.
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Simple example

If a reporter notices a city project is costing far more than expected, they might spend months examining contracts, interviewing officials, and comparing budgets to uncover whether corruption or waste is involved.

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Bottom line

Investigative journalism is journalism with a deeper mission: to uncover facts that matter to the public and may otherwise remain hidden.

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TL;DR: Investigative journalism is in-depth reporting that uncovers hidden truths, often about corruption, abuse, or other matters of public importance.

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