Lecture Eleven - Investigative Journalism

Journalists don't just break the news, tell the stories that everyone quickly gets wind of, journalists also uncover the news, dig up the secrets left hidden.

Journalism is important to democracy, with Investigative Journalism particularly important to democracy, by keeping the government honest. One of the most famous investigative journalism pieces in Australian history, a story on Four Corners, "Moonlight State" in 1987 lead to the Fitzgerald Inquiry which investigated corruption amongst Queensland Police. Another more recent example of Investigative Journalism which had a major impact is the Four Corners report, "Code of Silence". The report destroyed the career of former footballer and entertainer Matthew Johns, as well as the integrity of the National Rugby League. 

The immense power of investigative journalism is most evident however when looking at the 'Watergate' scandal. Reporters for the Washington Post uncovered the fact that the Nixon adminstration had attempted to cover up a break at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters which they had involvement in. The uncovering of Watergate, brought down arguably the most powerful man in the world at the time.

Investigative Journalism isn't always as 'sensational', it exists even at a local level, where the aim isn't necessarily to bring down a government, but inform communities. Perhaps the most important thing when it comes to investigative journalism, is to check your facts.

Like all forms of journalism, investigative journalisms future is uncertain. More expensive than news journalism, for investigative journalism to continue, media companies need money to support it. While the media companies need money to continue, the general population and democracy will always need Investigative Journalism.