JRN275 Quinnipiac University Fall 2017 Dr. Molly Yanity Why Dig Around? JRN275 Quinnipiac University Fall 2017 Dr. Molly Yanity

Investigative Reporting… Uncovers information that would not otherwise have been widely known, may be of benefit to the public well-being and may expose government or private fraud, financial misconduct or hazards to the public.

Within our culture… Media owners use investigative reporting as a tool to gain consumers and therefore revenue; Investigative reporting is believed by many to be a public service and is expected of the media;

Within our culture… A cause-, passion- or mission-driven media organization will use investigative reporting; Personal ambition on the part of the reporter may contribute to aggressive investigation.

Who are investigative reporters? Beat and special reporters Editors Broadcasters Photojournalists

Who else may need investigative skills? Detectives and private investigators Marketing specialists PR practitioners Financial officers Investment counselors

Who else may need investigative skills? Anyone who may need to know the background of a person, business, or other entity to further a project, operation, assignment successfully. Schools, doctors, lawyers, etc.

Investigation & the Law Reporters are not exempt from criminal and civil privacy and disclosure laws Criminal issues: trespass, theft, extortion, bribery Civil issues: libel, fraud, privacy

Informants Anonymous tips (“tipsters”) Disgruntled associates/victims Leaks (intentional/unintentional) Media peers Related peers (detectives, other investigators)

Breaking vs. Investigating Peeling back the layers Second-day leads Asking “Why?” vs. “What?”

What Stories? Current hot topics or controversial issues Planned projects with peers Commonly shared experiences Anything with a perceived need for exposure Video clip of Charles Davis

Case Study: Stories or Not? Case 1 - shot in the foot Case 2 - jobs for votes VIDEO CLIP FROM

First Assignment: Story Pitches Current or ongoing issue for students or residents on campus or in your home town Must name at least three research sources from among public record or government sites (all can, but do not have to be, online) Due Monday, April 19.

Format, Due Date Story pitch – Two- to three-page double-spaced, describing what you want to research, why and what your anticipated sources might be.