Editorial: The Importance of Investigative Reporting
by Shannon Taylor Senior Investigative Reporter
Many people look at investigative reporting and see it as “causing chaos and controversy” within their community, but while it may initially look that way, that is not the case.
Investigative reporting uncovers topics that are hidden either intentionally or unintentionally and exposing that information to the public. There is a large amount of time that goes into investigative journalism and reporting and that is why some stories can take weeks, month or even years before publishing. The amount of time and resources required for good investigative reporting are exponential. Because investigative stories can take a lot of time, there is typically a very long article at the end of the investigation.
The phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” is accurate when it comes to investigative reporting, especially when crime, corruption and the abuse of power are exposed. Investigative reporters focus their work on bringing to light officials, criminals, corporations, businesses and companies, government and schools accountable for anything that comes up that might need investigating.
When corruption is exposed, the ones exposed, or seemingly targeted by the investigation, may get angry and lash out and even involve their friends and other members of the community to act like they are being picked on or that something was unfair or that it is not as bad as it looks, however, the ramifications in the long run when these stories come out is not causing chaos and controversy but instead transparency, accountability and change. These changes ensure that not a single person no matter how powerful or how much money you have is above the law.
Another thing that investigative journalism does is give a voice to the underrepresented population which has historically resulted in law reforms, reducing stereotypes and attitudes and an altogether healthier community.
Investigative journalism reports on injustices and a good investigative reporter has valid, credible sources, audio and video recordings, statistics, quotes, infographics, tables and charts and official documents to support every story they undertake. Everything is fact checked sometimes two or even three times before a story gets published. An investigative journalist becomes a public watchdog of sorts so that the public can learn the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in matters that may have been concealed. Without investigative reporting, things can go unnoticed, officials become less transparent, and the truth becomes blurry.
Investigative journalism is not fast. So, when you hear about a possible incident and want to know why it hasn’t made the local news, it could be because we are currently investigating it and that takes time. However, it is always good to message, email or call us to let us know any possible tips or stories you want us to look into. Sometimes things happen in the community that we aren’t aware of until a community member contacts us.
Accountability is critical to investigative journalism and is the only way to hold those with power and wealth responsible for any crimes they might commit. Investigative reporters strive for the pursuit of truth and fairness to people from all walks of life. While it may seem like chaos, at first, because it is not something small towns are used to, it is helpful to communities in the long run. If they see and know that an investigative reporter will hold them accountable, then they are more likely to be transparent to the community and less likely to hide and cover things up, but if they do-that’s where investigative reporting comes in.
“The truth, no matter how bad, is never as dangerous as the lie in the long run.” –Ben Bradlee.
“I think people ought to realize that if you’re doing investigative reporting, you’re putting something on your newspaper or on your website that no one can get anywhere else, and theoretically at least, that should make people subscribe.”— Mark Ruffalo.
