A Practical Guide on Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is one pain tasking area in the field of journalism as a whole. Many journalist do shy away from it not just because of the pains associated with getting the most concealed but most importantly the threats and risks that surrounds it. This lesson note clearly explain in a more practical way on how to carry out an investigative research successfully, and also serve as a guide to every students of mass communication. Data gathered during the course of this research was based on secondary method of data collection, which comprises the use of library, online source and other documented sources which are well referenced. 

TABLE OF CONTENT  

1.  INVESTIGATIVE AND INTERPRETATIVE JOURNALISM; AN OVERVIEW  

1.1 Definition of Investigative and Interpretative Reporting 

1.2 Importance of Investigative Reporting  

1.3 Importance of Accuracy in Investigative Reporting 

1.4 The Investigative Journalist 

1.5 Qualities and Traits of an Investigative Journalist   

2.  SOURCES OF INVESTIGATIVE STORIES 

2.1 Human sources 

 2.2 Documented sources  2.2.1  public record  

2.2.2  Non-public record 

2.3 The Tools of an Investigative Journalist  

3.  INTERVIEW IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM 

3.1 How to Organize and Carryout an Investigative Interview 

3.2 Investigative Interview  

3.3 Methods of Asking Questions in Investigative Journalism

 3.3.1  Closed-ended questions 

3.3.2  Open-ended questions 

3.3.3  Hypothetical questions 

3.3.4  Agree/Disagree questions 

3.3.5  Probes Questions 

3.4 Role of Interview in Investigative Reporting   

4.  STEPS IN INVESTIGATING A STORY 

4.1 How to Write an Investigative Story 

4.2 Constrains and Obstacles of Investigative Journalism   

4.3 Elements of Interpretative Stories  

5.  TERRAINS IN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING  

5.1 Types of Terrains 

 5.1.1  Familiar Terrains 

5.1.2  Unfamiliar Terrains 5.1.3  Hostile Terrains  

6.  INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND THE ETHICS 

6.1 Why Ethics in Research 

6.2 Journalism and the Ethical Code of Conduct 

6.3 Investigative Journalism and the Nigerian Law