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

2. 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.

3. 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;

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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.

14. 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.