How to Enter Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism is a crucial part of journalism’s role in democracy as a whole: it exposes wrongdoing perpetrated in secret, it holds powerful institutions accountable, and informs the public about issues that may otherwise remain hidden.
Investigative journalism played a significant role in the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. A team of journalists at The Washington Post, including Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, began investigating the Watergate scandal, the Nixon administration's attempts to cover up its involvement in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters. Through a series of articles based on insider information and interviews, the journalists uncovered a web of lies, corruption, and illegal activities that ultimately led to Nixon's resignation. Their reporting exposed the abuse of power and betrayal of the public trust by Nixon and his administration, and helped to bring about a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, democratic principles in the United States.
With such an important role to play in the landscape of the United States, it’s no surprise investigative journalism entices many professionals. However, becoming an investigative journalist requires more than just an interest in the field. It takes dedication, persistence, and a willingness to dig deep and ask difficult questions. In this article, we will explore how journalists can become investigative journalists, drawing on insights from Rosa Furneaux, a journalist with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ).
The first step towards becoming an investigative journalist is to develop a deep curiosity about the world and a willingness to question what you see and hear. As Furneaux noted, "you have to be willing to ask the awkward questions, to dig into documents, and to follow leads that may take you down unexpected paths." Those unexpected paths can be perilous and jeopardize individual safety depending on the subject of the investigation. For example, journalists attempting to cover the spill of chemicals (including a deadly chemical: vinyl chloride) in East Palestine, Ohio were arrested for their efforts.
Another important skill for investigative journalists is the ability to analyze disparate sets of data. This includes being able to read and interpret complex documents, analyze financial statements, and use data analysis tools to identify patterns and trends. It also requires the ability to assess the credibility of sources and evaluate the accuracy of information. This data may not be readily available due to suppression by any guilty parties and so journalists needing access to this information should learn how to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from government institutions to ensure no stone is left unturned.
From there, the journalist must be able to synthesize the information they are seeing into a compelling story that is both informative and engaging without being overwhelming. Despite the complex nature of the information used in the investigation, articles must be formatted in a clear and concise narrative, using vivid descriptions, witness accounts, and community anecdotes to bring the story to life. This will ensure that readers not only understand why this information is important but how it affects them.
There are a variety of programs and courses available for aspiring investigative journalists. Many universities offer journalism degrees with a focus on investigative reporting, while professional organizations such as Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) offer training programs and workshops for journalists at all levels of experience. Additionally, for journalists looking for role models to base their work on, there are a number of online resources available, such as the Center for Investigative Reporting's, which provides in-depth investigative reporting on a variety of topics.
Ultimately, becoming an investigative journalist requires a combination of skills, including tenacity, critical thinking, networking, writing, and training. It also requires a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable, while engaging in a relentless pursuit of information that is determined to bypass roadblocks and interference. By developing these skills and staying dedicated to the craft, journalists can make a real difference in the world and help to ensure that the public remains informed and engaged.
