What Is Investigative Journalism? Meaning, Role & Impact Explained
Many of us download apps to make our daily lives easier. One such app is Truecaller, which helps identify the caller’s identity. Quite simple, right? But later, a rather unsettling reality emerged when The Caravan decided to carry out an investigation and discovered that millions of Indian users’ personal data were accessed and shared without their consent. The absence of strong data protection laws left doors wide open for potential misuse.
The investigation revealed how Truecaller used these legal gaps to its advantage. Most importantly, it sheds light on India’s need to curate stronger privacy legislation and the pressing need for accountability in the digital age.
This is a classic case of investigative journalism, which is a form of reporting within the larger umbrella of journalism that goes beyond sensational headlines, uncovering truths that do not always come out in public view. So, what exactly is the role of investigative journalism in today’s world, especially in a vast democracy like ours?
Investigative Journalism: Meaning
Regular journalism entails reporting on events as they happen, whereas Investigative Journalism takes it a step further, involving in-depth research, fact-checking, and analysis to uncover hidden truths, often around topics that affect society at large, like corruption, policy gaps, human rights issues, or misuse of data.
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The Code of Ethics in Journalism: Key Principles Explained
With so much information online, it is easy to come across opinions disguised as facts or content that is designed just to grab attention. Investigative journalism helps cut through the noise by presenting well-researched, balanced stories that create a real-world impact. Besides, investigative journalism is more relevant today than ever before, especially with the rising need to uncover information that is often hidden from the public. With the help of modern technology, like digital tools, data analysis, satellite imagery, and open-source platforms, the methods used by investigative journalists have also evolved, becoming more advanced and in alignment with today’s digital trends.
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How Investigative Journalists Work
One of the most important pillars of the investigative process is adhering to the code of ethics in journalism.
1. Step 1: Research
This phase is all about building context and asking the right questions before jumping to conclusions. Journalists dig into public records, court documents, data reports, and past news stories to begin connecting the dots.
2. Step 2: Source Validation
Reporters validate every source and cross-check information to make sure it is reliable, especially as these are often sensitive or high-stakes stories.
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Investigative journalists gather verifiable documentation to support their findings from sources like leaked emails, financial statements, photographs, satellite data, and many more.
4. Step 4: Writing, Fact-Checking & Publishing
Before publication, stories go through intense rounds of fact-checking and legal review to avoid defamation, misinformation, or risk to sources.
Role & Impact of Investigative Journalism in Society
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What does investigative journalism actually mean, and how does it really impact the world around us? Let us break it down for you!
Impact of Investigative Journalism: Real-World Example
Let us go through a real-world example to understand the impact investigative journalism has on society.
The investigation into the Adarsh Housing Society Scam carried out by The Indian Express unveiled how a residence for war widows of the 1999 Kargil war was illegally granted to politicians and military officials.
As a result, the public was outraged aggressively over the exploitation of power, and led the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to resign. Eventually, the building was ordered to be demolished by the Bombay High Court.
Consequently, this case led to public awareness and the imposition of stricter scrutiny in urban land allotment, particularly involving defense and government land.
Career Options in Investigative Journalism
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You can explore different career options in journalism pertaining to investigation, as there are multiple outlets requiring competent investigative journalists.
- Newsrooms – Investigative Desk
- Independent Digital Media
- NGOs and Research Organizations
- Freelance Investigative Journalism
How to Pursue a Career in Investigative Journalism?
Before deciding on a career in investigative journalism, determine if you have the investigative instinct and the determination to question authority and challenge narratives or especially if you lean towards storytelling that catalyzes change.
After all, this role has a direct impact on our societal ecosystem, and when fulfilled with accountability, can play a huge role in reforming the ecosystem.
So, if you are still determined to pursue a career in this field, and in case, if you have just completed your 12th, this is the perfect time to plan your journey:
- Step 1
Choose the right media school and select the right journalism program.
- Step 2
Build and strengthen your research and writing skills, maybe you can contribute to your college newspapers, blogs, or even fact-checking internships.
- Step 3
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Intern with independent news platforms or NGOs working on transparency and accountability to shape your voice.
Conclusion
At its core, investigative journalism is about standing up for truth and giving voice to those who are unheard. It informs, empowers, and ignites real change in society.
If you find purpose in asking difficult questions, uncovering hidden stories, and amplifying unheard voices, a career in investigative journalism could be your calling. However, it is important to get into an institution that teaches the craft beyond theoretical concepts, in the form of hands-on experiences, aligning with the industry-relevant trends.
At AAFT, you can explore an extensive array of programs, including UG (BJMC), PG(MJMC), and diploma courses to hone your skills and build your voice for a real-world effect. Train with industry leaders such as Kaveree Bamzai, Amish Devgan, and RJ Raunak, and get placed among the best institutions in India, like ABP Network, India TV, ZeeMedia, and others.
Explore and learn more about AAFT’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication and open up your opportunities to select the appropriate course specifically designed for your requirements!
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