Lecture 11 (21/05/2012) "Investigative Journalism"

Investigative journalism! (I was actually really excited for this lecture.)

Investigative journalism's purposes:

1. Critical and thorough journalism
2. Custodians of conscience
3. Holds the powerful accountable, gives a voice to those with less power
4. Fourth branch, fourth estate, watchdog

These concepts explored in a little more detail:

Critical and thorough journalism:
- journalist is an active participant
- "active intervention"
- journalist makes a substantial effort

Custodians of conscience:
- "Exposure"
- 'civic vice' - exposed for society to respond to

Holds the powerful accountable, gives a voice to those with less power
- social justice
- public interest

Fourth estate: journalists represent those with less power to balance against the government
Fourth branch of government: journalists ensure free flow of information
Watchdog: journalists make accountable social personalities

"It is not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the messages and myths that surround it."
- John Pilger

Investigative journalism exists everywhere. It exists locally, in our community, there are journalists who are actively investigating other people's stories and experiences (such as Australian story) or simply investigating issues that concern us living in our community.

There are many types of investigation interaction, which include observations, interviews, documents, theft, trespass and leaks.

Methods of investigating:

1. Interviewing
2. Observing
3. Analysing documents

And of course.. the threats:

ONLINE NEWS! Simple equation:

Less Money + Less journalists + Less time = Less investigative journalism

Journalism vs. PR
PR's choices of facts to persuade public opinion
Journalism's verification of facts to the public
Again: growth in PR = shrinkage of journalism

The future?

YouTube has launched a service dedicated to investigative journalism in order to reduce the "churnalism" and false stories that are placed in the media.
This is a fantastic incentive because so many people use YouTube every single day. This new service is something I didn't know and am keen to follow up on!