Week 1: Student Response and Assignment

WednesdayMay 2 at 11:27am

Manage Discussion Entry

Investigative journalism is when a journalist seeks out illegal activities from companies or private persons that requires criminal, unethical behavior. For years investigative reporter research and learn the ins and outs of the individuals or the company. Some even go undercover to get the scoop. According to Houston (2009), the Paul William’s Way is described as an 11-step process to learn how journalist investigate. In the book, some steps were planning, conception, and re-evaluation. Investigative journalism is the same as journalism because their basic concept of obtaining information consists of sources and documents. Both types of reporters have to make sure the work is credible when done with their reports, and to make sure they have accurate information, which is contacts. A good story needs an outline, research, and patience. Investigate reporting skills can help me write better stories by showing how it all started. What I mean by how it all started is that I need the beginning of the story. For example, who, what, when, why and how. The lead is substantial and is the basis of any piece. After I can get all the basics, I can then find the sources, which I can interview. Interviewing sources is an essential factor when writing a story. I need much research to back up my story. Statistical facts, newspapers, libraries, and many other things that can help is a promising idea to write up an account. One more thing to add is that following up on stories is excellent.

Tolanda

Reference

Houston, B. (2009). The investigative reporter’s handbook: A guide to documents, databases and techniques (5th). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin