Investigativ

e Reporting
Print Media II- Specialized Reporting
and
Feature Writing
Module-1: Advanced Reporting
Introduction
 Investigative Journalism is when reporters deeply
investigate a topic of interest, often involving
crime, political corruption, or some other scandal.

 It is to discover the truth and to identify lapses.

 In the old-fashioned sense, investigative reporting

is simply good reporting.
Characteristics
 In-depth, long-term research & reporting

 Documentary research and use of public and

private records, following the paper trail.

 Extensive interviewing.

 Crime-solving tools and methods (undercover

reporting, hidden cameras, surveillance)
 Belief in the watchdog role of the media

 Focus on the accountability of institutions and

individuals wielding power

 The journalism of outrage: belief in the power of the

media to catalyze reforms

 Revealing information others want to keep secret and

not known to the public.
Investigative
reporting is a
process:
Working from
the outside in
to bring inside
out.
 Investigative reporting involves
investigating wrong-doing by
individuals or institutions. The
general key issues are-
 Who is responsible for the wrongdoing?

 How was it done?

 What are the consequences?

 What can be done about it?

Investigative reporter is...
 Determined

 Patient

 Careful

 Fair

 Researcher
Key Skills for
Investigative Reporters
 Predicting  Knowing the Law

 Interviewing  Understanding of
procedures
 Observing  Fighter

 Analyzing  Sourceful

 Chasing Documents  Researcher

While working on an
investigative story
 First Lead, Tip or Hunch
 Sniff
 Form an Investigative Hypothesis
 Follow the Investigative Trail: Paper, People
and Electronics
 Organize information
 Fill in the Gaps: More data or interviews
 Write the Report
 Fact Check
 Libel Check
Prepare the answers
 Express your understanding on Investigative
Reporting with examples.
 How investigative reporting is different from
other reporting techniques?
 To work on an Investigative Story what steps
a reporter should follow?
 Discuss the core skills of a reporter
working/willing to work on investigative
Reports.
 “Investigative reporting is working outside in
to bring inside out.” Explain.
 Assignments
1. Collect 5 investigative stories and write your comment on each as a reader.
10
2. Prepare a team of two and Carry out an investigation on
‘Status of educational facilities for girls in Achrol’-
‘Main problems being faced by the local inhabitants in Achrol’-
‘Developments taken place in last five years in Achrol’
‘The impact of terrorism activities in India on Indian Tourism Industries’
‘Political change in Rajasthan- Issues and Challenges’