Investigative journalism (also known as watchdog reporting or accountability reporting) shines light on issues that demand public accountability—often exposing corruption and abuse of power. It requires reporters to identify potential problems, pursue leads, interview those in power or those who have been wronged, conduct deep research, analyze data, and adhere to ethical reporting guidelines.
These stories aren’t limited to print newspapers, though some journalists specialize in investigative work for specific media platforms like broadcast news. They also report online, using interactive digital elements and immersive multimedia to create standout content that engages readers and makes a difference.
For example, this Stuff Circuit story spent months researching modern-day slavery in the fishing industry. Reporter Eugene Bingham and his team spoke to fishermen, private investigators, global fishing organisations, and government agencies to understand the issue at hand. The result is a multimedia article that immerses the reader in the investigation, with features like a web timeline and scrolling storytelling that allow the user to follow the story chronologically.
Other classic examples of investigative journalism include the Watergate scandal and the Thalidomide scandal in the UK. The work of these journalists, who often worked undercover, helped expose the truth behind these important social and political issues to the public. Watchdog journalism serves democratic goals of accountability and transparency by exposing wrongdoing and driving change. It is a vital component of democracy. However, it can be a challenging and time-consuming pursuit for those in the field.
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