Investigative Reporting An Overview IR,Ppt1a

Before You Begin Planning precedes writing. You can’t write if you can’t think. Every story has a central idea. Everything else flows from it. If what you want to say isn’t clear to you, don’t expect it to be clear to your reader. “Clear Thinking = Good Writing” IR,Ppt1a

Elements of Journalism Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth. Its first loyalty is to citizens. Its essence is a discipline of verification. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover. It must serve as an independent monitor of power. IR,Ppt1a

Element of Journalism 6. It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise. 7. It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant. 8. It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional. 9. Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience. From “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel IR,Ppt1a

The Journalist 1. A source of reliable information 2. A monitor and watchdog 3. Enhances citizenship 4. Helps strengthen democracy 5. A public servant IR,Ppt1a

Investing Reporting Basics Element of exposé Uncovering what others want to keep secret Long period of research IR,Ppt1a

Investing Reporting Basics cont.. Following the paper trail and the people trail Tedious, persistent, thorough work Shapes policy through ground-breaking work IR,Ppt1a

Obstacles in Doing Investigative Reporting Access to records and officials Getting sources to speak on the record, even to speak Physical threats Libel Uncooperative and protective gov’t bureaucracy Story used for partisan purposes IR,Ppt1a

Obstacles in Doing Investigative Reporting cont… Libel Uncooperative and protective gov’t bureaucracy Story used for partisan purposes IR,Ppt1a