Curiosity & inquisitiveness is the primeval instinct of human being. We people are always curious and fond of finding
the hidden. From our enormous curious nature we do engage ourselves in investigation or
investigative journalism. It is a kind of journalism in which reporters meticulously investigate a topic of interest, often involving crime, political & social
corruption or some other scandals.
Pertaining to this investigative journalism De Burgh (2000) states that:
“An investigative journalist is a man or woman whose profession it is to discover the truth and to identify lapses from it in whatever media is available. The act of doing this generally is called investigative journalism and is distinct from apparently similar work done by police, lawyers, auditors and regulatory bodies in that it is not limited as to target, not legally founded and closely connected to publicity.”
An investigative journalist has to spend a considerable period researching and preparing a report, sometimes months or years, whereas a typical daily or news reporter writes items concerning immediately available news. Newspapers, wire services & freelance journalists do most investigative journalism. An investigative journalist’s final report may take the form of an expose.
Modern investigative journalism is an utmost systematic, rigorous and demanding field. Today’s journalistic activities, despite its many aberrations, are considered the most effective watchdog and upholder of democratic values. And the powerful instrument to fulfill this obligation is investigative reporting.
Democracy involves accountability of elected representatives and civil servants. There are many mechanisms for controls and balances, but these can be abused, circumvented, ignored and made effective. Thus investigative reporting enters into this vacuum to scrutinize and expose the unfair trade practices of those in authority that jeopardize public interest and make them accountable to the people.
For investigative reporting to proliferate, what is needed is an independent and pluralistic media, which is brave, committed to democracy and universal human values. Besides journalists have to have commitment, can pinpoint problems and have the grit, perseverance, patience & expertise to do research. This is not enough the owners and editors should be also professionally non-partisan and without vested interests then and only then proper investigative reporting is possible.
But unfortunately the reality is reverse whatsoever. Many journalists may have the aptitude and skills for investigative journalism. On the contrary their owner and editors do not have the will, even if they have the resources, to encourage them. The owners and the editors too have numerous vested interests – in political parties, individual leaders, corporate bodies and so on.
Everywhere the so called democratic system, notorious for its red-tapism and nepotism, does not easily part with even ordinary information, never mind the information acts on the book, and as mentioned earlier, those who really want to expose the malfeasance do not trust the press.