Characteristics of Investigative Journalism

Looking for characteristics of investigative journalism, definition, and professional qualifications? Then here you will find all the information regarding the same.

Although it has been developing for many years and moved to new environments, it has come to these stages by losing some of its good sides. Especially in terms of journalism, the fact that ignored facts about the profession and society are not included has led to the question of journalism in the world. Although digital journalism and new media. Although the industry has made journalism more accessible and popular, some types of journalism have also started to be ignored. One of these types of journalism is investigative journalism. Investigative journalism is one of the major reasons for journalism’s existence. Because in investigative journalism; There are stages of research, examination, and presentation to the public.

Today, we see that the examples of investigative journalism in the world and our country are decreasing. Because in the context of investigative journalism, anyone can be, and many forces may not like it. Well, are there no examples of investigative journalism at a time when the internet journalism industry is developing and resources are being accessed more? Of course, investigative journalism will continue wherever journalism does not disappear. However, practice and space that will encourage journalism need to be created. Especially in a period when the news value is decreasing, the examples of journalism demanding research will show us what the news is. 

Let’s Get to Know Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism, as it is known today, first emerged in the USA in the 1800s. The report by the New York Times reporters raised an issue of political corruption and thus shed light on the investigative side of journalism. Since then, numerous investigative reports have been produced, and it has been discussed that one of the professional qualifications of a journalist should be in the public interest. In investigative journalism, using the social benefit principle, which is the most distinctive feature of journalism, has made it easier for people to obtain information.

Investigative journalism has also been used as the backbone of journalism in our country. This type of journalism is a method that any journalist can use. In short, the investigative journalist does not have a title or a definition. Investigative journalism is carried out as a result of investigated news or news. Uğur Mumcu is one of the most important representatives of investigative journalism in our country. 

A journalist in investigative journalism or correspondent; makes original news and discovers detailed sources on the subject under study. Also, off the record, an important topic in journalism is used in ( off the record ) investigative news. If the trusted source does not want to give his name or identity, the journalist must obey this and hide it in the news. At the same time, as investigative journalism is a questioning business, the search for resources and information is very important. In the search for information and resources, accurate and reliable documents, people and findings constitute the source of the news.

Investigative journalism; His practice of “in-depth journalism” as it is used in the United States is in the interest of society. As a result of this news, society can reach the truth or facts about the relevant subject and the relevant issue can be exposed and investigated. There are certain rules and characteristics of journalism that are directly beneficial to society.

What Are the Characteristics of Investigative Journalism?

One of the most important issues in journalism, 5N1Kto ask their questions for the related news. Investigative journalism, which aims to conduct a comprehensive study for the news or topic, is about presenting the invisible. The event that will be the subject of the investigation may be unknown or misunderstood. Investigative news, different from normal news, addresses an event that needs to be known, sources that will shed light and questions. Serious effort and time are also essential for such news compilation and research. Of course, the professional competence and willingness of the journalist are also important here.

The investigative journalist should be able to insist on keeping up with the incident. However, there are serious threats against journalists in today’s conditions. To prevent these situations, a wide area should be opened to journalists, and practices that encourage investigative journalism should be implemented. We can generally list the features of investigative news and journalism as follows:

• Investigative news has a structure that requires time and effort.
• The event or person that will be the subject of the news is examined in-depth and its connection with the relevant news is revealed. 
• Investigative journalism is not private reporting. Private news is the information a journalist obtains from the person or persons he/she has close contact with. 
• In the researched news; information, documents, people, and witnesses are scanned in-depth and these sources are conveyed in an understandable language in the news. 
• In investigative news, the history of the relevant event is taken and reliable sources are tried to be reached. 
• The events and people that are related to each other are noted and the effect of the relationship network between them is investigated. 
• In investigative journalism, the public interest in explaining the relevant event is examined and an informative style is used. 

What are the Professional Qualifications of Investigative Reporter?

A journalistic experience and competence are essential to be able to make investigative news and reach the truth. As the news experience is gained, it is learned how to make investigative news. The investigative journalist has a professional personality that does not delay curiosity above all. Research and questioning, which are the main characteristics of journalism, are among the professional qualifications of the investigative journalist.

To be an investigative journalist, one must be a reporter or a journalist. Studying journalism is not necessarily required to achieve this competence. There are many sarcastic journalists and reporters in the industry. However, it is necessary to learn the characteristics and cuisine of the work to be able to do properly investigative news and journalism. So the investigative journalist, journalism department He makes the news by knowing how to do this job by taking a graduate or research journalism education. 

We can list the professional qualifications that an investigative journalist should have as follows:

• The journalist, being aware of his professional responsibilities, cannot add individuality to the news and protects his independence.
• It must be able to instill confidence in relevant sources for reporting. 
• Reading not answer questions on topics to be asked, the description will be asked; Because the answer to be given may not contain a correct answer.
• The journalist must compare the information and sources he/she obtained and have the obtained information verified from different sources.
• In the phase of asking questions and getting information, he/she should be able to establish comfortable and clear dialogues and observe people well. 
• The journalist must be able to establish a cause and effect link between events and people and to carry out rigorous work.

Journalism and Media Industry Today

In a period when the media is moving to digital and reporting is changing, the number of investigative news has decreased considerably. However, the presence of independent journalists also increased during this period. This has led to investigative news. Today, by using the possibilities of digital journalism, although a little, such news can spread rapidly and society has been informed. 

Apart from investigative journalism, we see a different form of journalism in the new media. Internet journalism social media and news sites are at the forefront in the reporting we call. It is known that people want to reach the news from these channels in their daily flow. Internet journalism is also available through these channels. makes news by digital news rules. Of course, in internet journalism, studies are also carried out following SEO and journalism rules to come out in the first place. We also see that much daily news is written on social media channels, especially via Twitter. However, while writing such news and articles, we also come across words that are exaggerated and taken with tweezers for clicking. Unfortunately, we also see that this writing style is highlighted in internet journalism. Nevertheless, in a period when media channels are proliferating, we should not forget the newspapers and people who follow the journalism professional principles and are concerned about reporting. 

Investigative Journalism Definition?

Investigative journalism is a journalism method in which the journalist interrogates in-depth about a person, institution, or event. Investigative journalism began for the first time in the 1800s, with the deciphering of the New York Times reporters on political corruption. In investigative journalism, there is always the principle of social benefit and the search for the truth. 

How to Become an Investigative Journalist?

An investigative journalist makes news and research, knowing the cuisine and nature of the job well. To learn the job, it is necessary to step into the journalist or reporter. For this, you can either read the journalism section or study investigative journalism or enter the journalism industry sarcastically. 

What are the Features of Investigative News?

Investigative news requests to be examined and questioned beforehand. Sources of information and people are compared and validated. The news is given with understandable information in consideration of the public interest and the names of the sources are not disclosed unless requested.