What is Investigative Journalism: History, Characteristics, Scope, Best Examples
Investigative journalism may very well be the most intriguing and rewarding type of journalism. Find out what's it all about in the article below.
What is Investigative Journalism?
What is Investigative Journalism? - Journalism is an incredibly diverse field. It consists of different types and forms and one of those is Investigative Journalism. The roots of investigative journalism can be traced back centuries ago, but it became famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was the time when journalists like Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair from the United States, exposed the abuses of powerful corporations and covered the plight of workers.
Over time, investigative journalism evolved alongside the advancements in technology and communication. Today, investigative journalism has become a vital tool in democratic societies and the pillar of true journalism in the era of corporates, TRPs, paid viewerships, and commercialization of news. In this article, we have covered investigative journalism in detail, its origins, characteristics of investigative journalism, negatives and positives, and its best examples.
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What is Investigative Journalism?
Investigative Journalism is a journalism technique that uses deep research to uncover the truth, chase scandals, and unearth conspiracies to bring never-before stories for readers and viewers.
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Q: How many JMI previous year papers should I solve?
As per expert advice, candidates must solve JMI question paper of at least last five years. The JMI previous year papers will help them understand the type questions asked and topic wise weightage. Also, prepare for the questions asked historically.
Q: What type of questions are asked in the CAPTEST?
The questions in the CAP Test are prescribed by the subject matter experts of Amrita School of Communication (ASCOM), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. The CAP Test question papers are based on current affairs, logical reasoning, general awareness, English, media, advertising, etc.
Tracing its history, investigative journalism is said to have begun in the late 18th century when some brave newspapers from the UK and US began to question government actions and seek information from other sources.
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With time and fearlessness in journalists, investigative journalism grew to become a popular and reliable source of news information, and readers started believing in it. Investigative Journalists started digging deep into complex issues, they unravelled hidden truths, exposed corruption, and held the powerful accountable. With a rich history of uncovering scandals and bringing justice to light, investigative journalism continues to shape societies worldwide. Today it stands as a beacon of truth in a world often overshadowed by fake news, misinformation, propaganda, and deception.
What is Investigative Jouanslism - Uncovering Famous Cases
Investigative journalism has played an important role in exposing many cases, from political scandals to corporate corruption and more. One famous example was of the Watergate scandal, where famed journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's relentless investigation led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
Q: How to download the GMCET question papers?
To download the Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET) question papers candidates can either go and download from this article or download from the official website of GMCET. The steps to download the question paper of GMCET from both ways are mentioned in this article. The question papers of GMCET will help candidates immensely in preparation by letting them know about the difficulty level of the exam, types of questions asked in the exam as well as the pattern of questions from previous years.
Q: Where will be the GMCET sample papers be available?
The Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET) sample papers are available through the official website of GMCET as well as from this article. Candidates can download them either way to prepare for the GMCET examination. As per the official website of GMCET, there will be over 100 questions asked in the exam which will be divided across 4 sections with each section having 25 questions each. These sections are - English Language & IQ, General Knowledge of News and Current Affairs, Entertainment Media Knowledge, and Brands and Brand Communication Basic Knowledge. The total time duration for the exam will be 60 minutes.
Q: What are topics on which the questions will be asked in the exam?
The questions in the CAP Test written exam will be based on the topics like English Grammer, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, Important Personalities are asked in the exam. Candidates who prepare these topics will have a higher chances of qulaifying in the CAP Test 2024.
Q: What type of questions are asked in MCQ section of the FTII JET?
According to the official brochure released by Film and Television Institute of India the question papert consists of two MCQ sections. Part A consists of 20 marks and Part B consists of 30 marks. Candidates need to attempt all the questions. There will be two papers - Paper 1 and 2. Paper 1 will be divided into two parts A & B. Part A will be single answer type consisting of 20 marks and Part B will MCQ based of again 20 marks. The paper 2 will be descriptive in nature and will be of 60 marks.
Q: Will there be group discussion also along with the interview?
No, after qualifying in the CAP Test written test candidates will have to appear for the online interview only and their will be no group discussion for the same. Candidates will be informed about the CAP Test result by email after the online interviews are over. Candidates need to keep checking their email inbox, official website of Amrita School of Communication (ASCOM), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham as well as this page for the latest information.
In recent times as well, investigative journalists have uncovered many scandals. One such is the Panama Papers leaks and the Paradise Papers leaks which were revealed to be a global tax evasion and money laundering scandal where numerous global politicians, celebrities, and corporations were caught under the radar.
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Best Examples of Investigative Journalism
Out of the many examples where Investigative Journalism has stood one such is the The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team's investigation into child sex abuse within the Catholic Church. This incident was also portrayed in the film "Spotlight," which showcased the power of persistent reporting in exposing institutional wrongdoing.
Another example is that of Seymour Hersh, who uncovered the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. This incident is also remembered as it exemplifies the courage and determination required to challenge powerful institutions.
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Famous Investigative Journalists
Internationally renowned investigative journalists are Glenn Greenwald, Seymour Hersh, Woodward, and Bernstein. In India, Ravish Kumar, P. Sainath, and Late Gauri Lankesh have made significant contributions to investigative journalism. They have been known for fearlessly uncovering corruption, social injustices, and political malpractice.
Future of Investigative Journalism
Investigative Journalism is one of those fields of journalism that requires patience, time, and a deep knack for uncovering the impossible. This practice requires time and heavy investments as journalists have to field their sources, they need to solve various puzzles, travel to places for interviews, etc. With journalism taking a nose dive towards commercial aspects there is little to no scope for investigative journalism.
However, despite these challenges like declining revenues and threats to press freedom, the future of investigative journalism remains promising. The advancements in technology, access to data, availability of digital tools, as well as collaborative reporting platforms have opened new avenues for investigative journalists to uncover stories with global impact.
However, journalists need to maintain integrity and follow basic ethics as it will be crucial in ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of reporting moving forward.
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Career Scope and Salary in India
To become an investigative journalist a candidate needs to have a combination of skills, such as research abilities, critical thinking, and ethical journalism practices. For freshers, the job is limited to traditional newsrooms or investigative reporting teams within media organizations. With experience and hard work, they can make a place as an independent investigative journalist.
In India, the salary for an investigative journalist depends on experience, the media house they are working for as well as job location. Journalists in Tier 1 cities are paid more than tier 2-3 candidates. Coming to the salary, the entry-level salary for an investigative journalist can range from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month in major cities, followed by ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 in small towns.
However, with experience, they can earn significantly higher, with up to ₹1 lakh or more per month. Aspiring investigative journalists can also do freelance or collaborate with other nonprofit investigative outlets, however, in this case, the pay scale can be paltry as freelancers' earnings may depend on the success of their investigations and the media outlet they work for.
Going Forward
In the era of media commercialization, Investigative journalism stands strong as the cornerstone of democracy and true journalism. Investigative Journalism has been one important aspect that has shone a light on injustice by holding the powerful accountable. It has a rich history of uncovering scandals and shaping public discourse and with time it has evolved and adapted to new challenges and opportunities.
Desirous journalists planning to take this route of truth and justice can find a rewarding career, and make a strong impact on society while also holding the flag of ethical journalism high.
List of Popular Investigative Journalists in India
Some popular journalists in the country include -
- Rana Ayyub
- Pandit Ayush Gaur
- Kumar Sambhav
- Nayantara Ranganathan
- Ritu Sarin, etc.
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FAQs related to Investigative Journalism
Q: What is the role of an investigative journalist? What Do They Do?
A: The role of an investigative journalist is to keep across the news agenda to identify any potential stories. Their role apart from covering the news is to build relationships with people who may offer sources of information to them for their story. Investigative journalists must have a knack for uncovering the truth and not fall prey to corruption. They must have complete faith in their story and must push the producer and program team to take it forward. To investigate the story, they must search public records and company accounts to identify discrepancies or falsehoods.
Q: What is the scope of investigative journalism?
A: In the world of media commercialization, Investigative journalism stands true to its core of ethical journalism practices. It has been a testimonial in exposing corruption, scandals, and major controversies.
Q: What are the characteristics of an investigative journalist?
A: An investigative journalist must have some of these characteristics - deep research abilities, patience, fearlessness, studiousness, thick skin, and social connections and they must have a resilient attitude.
Q: What are the techniques of investigative journalism?
A: An investigative journalist must have some of these techniques to be successful in their field - extensive research abilities, deep diving into the subject matter, scrutinizing loads of documents with a quick eye for detail, and cross-referencing information.
Q: Who is considered the Father of Investigative Journalism?
A: William Thomas Stead (5 July 1849 – 15 April 1912) who was an English newspaper editor is often considered as the father of investigative journalism.
Q: What is the salary of an investigative journalist in India?
A: An Investigative Journalist with 4-5 years of good experience can earn anything between 6-10 LPA depending upon the media house they are working. Freshers can get a good stipend if they work with big media houses, however, small media houses pay a travel allowance initially. With 1-2 years of experience, they can earn anything between 2-4 LPA.
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