An investigative journalist researches news and events to expose scandals or uncover details that certain companies or individuals prefer not to make public. They may work for newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, or online platforms and require excellent investigative skills, strong ethics, and a good understanding of many cultures. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or communications is usually required.
An investigative journalist is a professional reporter who researches news, events and current topics and distributes the information to the public. He may publish his work in a newspaper, magazine or website, or broadcast it on radio or television. Your topics can be local, domestic or international in nature.
Some investigative journalists are on the staff of newspapers or magazines or work for television or radio stations. Others may publish online on blogging sites or web-based journals. Freelancers in this profession often offer their stories to the highest bidders or to a source that offers the best or most extensive exposure.
The word investigative distinguishes these journalists from regular reporters and writers. The term implies that its purpose is to expose scandals or uncover details that certain companies or individuals prefer not to make public. Whenever news breaks about product recalls, misuse of public funds, or inappropriate conduct by a public official or celebrity, an investigative reporter is usually credited with making the information available to the general population.
An investigative journalist may gather his information by following anonymous tips, interviewing alleged witnesses or participants, or obtaining suppressed documents that often contain incriminating information. He usually gathers the information on his own, but may use credible sources to substantiate his stories. Generally, an ethical investigative reporter is expected to have facts to support every detail in their reports.
A person with this job might work in a private office and cover local or regional news. An investigative journalist can be part of a team that works in unison to research and develop stories. Some in this profession specialize in one area of news such as crime or health, while other areas of specialization are more general and cover broad topics such as war, religion and international affairs and politics.
Success as a journalist often requires more than excellent investigative skills. People who do extremely well at this job usually have an innate ability to identify subjects and topics that appeal to a wide audience. Success in this position also typically requires a strong sense of ethics and a good understanding of many cultures and their beliefs and practices. The ability to be an unobtrusive and accurate fact-checker is also a common requirement for success as an investigative journalist.
Candidates for positions in investigative journalism are usually required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or communications. Most employers prefer high school or college journalism experience. A genuine interest in and understanding of a wide range of social subjects such as politics, history, economics and geography is strongly preferred by a significant number of employers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
