What is Investigative Journalism: History, Characteristics, Scope, Best Examples
Journalism is a vast subject and consists of different types and forms, one such type is Investigative Journalism. Which is one of the most sought-after journalism techniques. It is a style of news reporting that uses deep research, uncovering the truth, chasing scandals, and unearthing conspiracies to bring never-before stories for readers and viewers. In this article, we have covered investigative journalism, its characteristics, negatives, and positives as well as the best examples.
What is Investigative Journalism
What is Investigative Journalism: Journalism in itself is a vast subject that consists of different types and forms and one such 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.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Over time, investigative journalism evolved alongside the advancements in technology and communication. Today, investigative journalism has become a vital tool in democratic societies and has become one of the pillars that have held fort the baton of true journalism in the era of corporates, TRPs, paid viewerships, and commercialization of news. In this article, we have covered in detail about investigative journalism, its origins, characteristics of investigative journalism, its negatives and positives as well as its best examples of investigative journalism.
Q: From where can I download the sample papers for JMI Entrance Exam?
Candidates can download the JMI entrance exam sample papers of a particular course from the official website of JMI. Candidates will have to choose the course and the department to get the previous years papers. Shiksha.com has also shared the direct link to download the previous year question papers.
Q: What is the benefit of solving previous year JMI question papers for practice?
Solving previous year JMI question papers will help the candidates in understading the exam pattern and know the types of questions that are asked. It will also help them know question-wise weightage of topics in the JMI exam and their difficulty level. At times, the questions from previous tests are used in the current year's test and if candidates have already solved questions from the past, they will be able to solve the same question in their JMI exam quickly.
Q: How many non-MCQs are there in the JMI question paper?
Non-MCQ questions are less than 20 per cent of the total number of questions in the JMI question paper. The non-MCQs are mostly from topics like National and International Political issues/ personalities, General Knowledge, Film, Television and other modes of media, Art, culture and literature.
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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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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.
With time and fearlessness in Journalists, Investigative Journalism grew to become popular and a reliable source of news information as readers started believing in it. Investigative Journalists started digging deep into complex issues, they unraveled 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.
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: Which JMI question paper is tougher MA Mass Communication or Convergent Journalism?
The JMI question papers of all the courses are of similar difficulty level. However, due to difference in the questions of the courses, one of it can turn out to be slightly more difficult than the other. It is usually seen that there is not much difference in the difficulty level of different papers.
Q: What is the sequence of sections in the JMI question paper?
The sequence of JMI question paper is - Part A: Written Test (Objective/ MCQs) and Part B: Written Test (Subjective/ Descriptive/ Theory). Candidates will be able to give the descriptive paper only when the objective test is completed.
Q: Which section of the JMI exam question paper is lengthy?
The descriptive section of JMI entrance exam is lengthy as it includes reading and understanding the questions and answer them in the prescribed word limit. Candidates need to practice the sample questions well in advance to perform good in exam.
Q: What types of questions are asked in the FTII JET exam?
In the Film and Television Institute of India Joint Entrance Test (FTII JET) there are two papers - Paer 1 and 2. The paper 1 has two parts A & B, each consist of Muitlple Choice Questions (MCQ-type) while the paper 2 has descriptive questions where candidates will have to answer in short notes, they will ahve to describe certain sketches and photographs as mentioned in the question paper. Some of the questions from paper 1 for the direction and screenplay course are mentioned here to give candidates an idea -
Q 1 - Garo is
A) A language in North East India
B) A Maharashtrian sweet dish
C) The name of a tribe in Gujarat
D) The capital of Goa, Daman Diu
Q 2 - Lavani is
A) A maharashtrian way of wearing a sari
B) A meat preparation in Western Maharashtra
C) A form of song and dance in Maharashtra
D) A Gujarati art form
Q 3 - Madhubani Art is a tradition of the region:
A) Vidarbha
B) Awadh
C) Mithila
D) Konkan
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.
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.
Also read:
- FTII JET Eligibility Criteria 2024
- JMI Entrance Exam 2023: Learn About Interview Questions and GD Topics Here
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.
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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.
With over 7 years of experience in the digital content arena, Vikrant specializes in creating unique content specific to the Media, Journalism, Film and TV stream for Shiksha. He writes articles and news covering th... Read Full Bio