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Investigative journalism is deep and purposeful as it unearths areas of corruption and violence otherwise hidden in our society. It involves critical and thorough journalism (active intervention), led by custodians of conscience (exposure), in order to provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account (social justice and public interest) within the fourth estate (press - 'watchdog'). Its intention is to be sceptical, not cynical. The journalist is an active participant who is thorough and critical in their reporting. They must understand the hidden agendas of the message they purport and the myths that surround it.
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| The Fitzgerald Enquiry |
"Journalists' uncritical dependence on their sources, orchestrated government leaks...media units and press secretaries...can lead to [the media] becoming a mouthpiece for vested interests"
- Fitzgerald Report 1989
Australia has a long and involved history of investigative journalism. Some historical investigative trailblazers include:
1. Edward Hall Smith - "The Sydney Monitor" 1826
The Monitor exercised a strong influence on public opinion in connection with the existing form of government. It stood for trial by jury and a popular legislature, and it condemned in unmeasured terms the oppression of convicts, public immorality on the part of officers, and even the conduct of the governor himself. His feats were seen as "heroic" in Austraila, despite the harsh punishment he received
2. W.T. Stead & the Salvos - "The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon" 1885
Controversial articles on child prostitution which raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16
3. Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein - "Watergate" 1972-74
Reported on a number of political 'dirty tricks' used by the Nixon re-election committee during his campaign for re-election.
4. Chris Masters & Phil Dickie & Shaun Hoyt - "The Moonlight State" 1987
Investigations into systemic Queensland police corruption.
5. Julian Assange & co. - "WikiLEAKS" 2006
Exposure of private, secret and classified media from anonymous news sources, news leaks and whistleblowers (However, this is not journalism, there was no journalistic analysis or input involved)
All of these investigations changed the world - they had massive social effects
Thus, investigative journalism has a far-reaching effect on the 'goings on' of the world as it exposes injustice and corruption. In order to make these kinds of social and political changes, however, an incredible amount of time must go into the research and creation of these investigative pieces. For example, 'The Moonlight State' required two years of lead-up work to produce one program. It is brutal, highly intensive work, but I believe the potential for exposing injustice is incomparable.
Locally, we have investigative journalism being produced by The Global Mail, Crikey and Australian Story. These institutions interactive using interviews, observations, documents, briefings, leaks, trespass and theft. It is an intense and gruelling area of journalism which requires a laborious check of facts, no assumptions and an ability to deal with crazed Whistleblowers.
Threats to investigative journalism include online news (less money = less journalists and less time = less investigative journalism), empty newsrooms and a growth in PR (and, consequently, a shrinkage in journalism). However, I believe that investigative journalism will continue - in one form or another - into the future, however new media-centred it may be. I see it as too important, influential and beneficial for it to be allowed to simply dissipate. It will be web-ised, just as everything else is. It just has to be!
"If your mother says she loves you, check it out!"
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