Week5 Discussion One Student Response

TuesdayMay 29 at 2:22pm

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I would obtain information covertly when necessary and if necessary. But, I would do so as little as possible if at all because I may never need to secretly obtain anything. There is the golden rule to follow which makes a journalist ask themselves a few different questions before starting their investigation. One question that must be considered is what type of harm it would cause the individual or institution. And can the damage be justified by the journalist or news organization (Paul, & Hansen, 2007)? While these are wise questions to ask before starting an investigation one must understand what they and if they are willing to obtain information covertly.

While it would seem proper to seek information covertly at times it is not wise to do so. I would seek information covertly at times because sorry but that is why we call it investigative journalism. If the consequences were not too great then why not go and do so but if the consequences are too big then I would not seek out the information covertly. What also must be remembered is the journalist stands for the people and they are to seek out as much information as possible and expose it to the people.

Then again, there are questions that come to mind when deciding whether or not to obtain information covertly. For example, “Is it possible to get convincing evidence through documents and interviews instead” (Paul, & Hansen, 2007, p. 112)? The thing is if possible then I suppose what is the purpose of seeking covert information. Another important question to consider is will the report and story be enough to overshadow the deceptive practices (Paul, & Hansen, 2007)? The thing is much of the time information can be obtained without even going about it secretly. If you can obtain the information without doing so secretly then why bother going to obtain it secretly. That is why I would look to every avenue before obtaining information. I would then see if the consequences are too severe before doing so and if the consequences are too severe then I would go about and not bother obtaining anything secretly.

The overall point is what consequences is one willing to take when running an investigation. Is it that important that the public must know what that official is doing or is it not worthy to do a story on their corrupt behavior? What always must be questioned is of what importance is this information to the public? If not important and if the information is of availability then do not go about obtaining it covertly. The fact is some states allow covert actions to obtain information while others do not allow such actions. That is why I conclude by saying how it is up to a journalist in how they seek and obtain their information.

References

Paul, N., & Hansen, K. (2007). Computer-Assisted research: Information strategies and tools for journalists. Columbia, MO: Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc.