Investigative journalism is called that sector of journalism that is exclusively dedicated to investigating this type of case, of course after doing the corresponding investigation to make it public through the media.
Although all the mass media of today, radio, television, internet, graphic press, make this type of journalism more common to work in graphics and television, including television programs dedicated exclusively to journalistic investigation and in each issue it is presented a new investigation that uncovers some hidden question.
This type of journalism must provide new information through its investigations, that is, inform us in depth about an unknown topic and that is capable of capturing the public's attention in its interest.
Some journalists claim that, in fact, all journalism is investigative journalism. There is some truth to this: not only investigative journalists who have weeks to work on a story apply investigative techniques, but also specialized journalists in their daily coverage. But investigative journalism is broader than this: it is a set of methodologies that are an art, and it is something that can take years to master.
A look at the stories that win major awards for journalism testifies to research the high standards to which the profession aspires: work background carefully follow the traces of the public looting, abuse of power, environmental degradation, scandals in matters of health, etc.
Below are the principles and steps for executing investigative journalism:
- Selection and approach: of complex problems or problems, which require knowledge and attention and participation of public opinion and institutions, based on social interest.
- Objectivity: that is, the search for the objective truth that sometimes underlies the superficial aspect or the first impression that the facts produce on us - or are proposed to us. This means going to the essences with a tireless analytical and critical attitude.
- Comprehensive and strategic scientific approach: working with sources of information and applying various methods and techniques to obtain the data we need. It includes, of course, the wide possibilities of direct and participant observation, open or covert, depending on the circumstances; as well as consulting all kinds of sources that provide us with references or useful information.
- Intent: assumes as a premise a degree of prior clarification on the communicability of the results and their impact on public opinion, for purposes that can range from information or clarification of explanation and correction of deficiencies or irregularities committed, to guidance and the collective mobilization towards certain institutional or massive actions, aimed at the partial or total solution of the problem.
- Comprehensive and systemic approach to the communication strategy, based on an adequate understanding of the communication processes in their daily life and the continuity of one part, and of the creative potentialities, the complementary role and the characteristics of the different journalistic genres.
- Ethical standards and principles: provided for by our Professional Code, which clearly defines the duties and rights of journalists and their press organs in society, as well as the type of relationships that will develop between them and other people and institutions.
