WEEK 12: INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM 

Being a journalist has always appealed to me. I believe I would love the rush of investigating a story that affects our realities. A career I could pursue that would indent my thoughts on the world. However beginning JOUR1111 made me question what journalism actually is, the exciting, active and hands-on life that I imagined was quickly diminishing to an ordinary office job until this second last lecture was presented on ‘investigative journalism’. This lecture reinforced the idea that journalism is not just a career but it is a lifestyle and this excited me. Investigative journalism is about being:

• ·      Intelligent
• ·      Informed
• ·      Intuitive
• ·      Inside
• ·      Invest

  The deeper definitions and purpose behind investigative journalism that Bruce Redman provided was:

·      To provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account.

I am a true advocate for the peoples voice and allow everyone to his or hers rightful opinion. Becoming an investigative journalist would allow myself to assist in providing an outlet for societies voice to be heard.

Active intervention is investigative journalism, for the journalist to be an active participant in every aspect of producing the story. To be thorough, make a substantial effort, consult numerous sources enabling the story its justice.

From Ettema and Glasser, investigation takes society’s morals and norms and hold breaches up to public scrutiny. Expose to the public stories that would otherwise go untold, let society know about stories which they rightfully should know about.

Journalists have the power to ensure free flows of information necessary for the functioning of democracy by interrogating the judiciary, executive and legislature. 

Dr Redman then talked about some historic investigative journalists that assisted in altering laws and ultimately changing lives for the good.

The story being: W.T Stead, a journalist from the UK, who was heavily involved in promoting social justice. He was involved in “The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon”, a organisation that assisted in stopping human trafficking and the organisation managed to arrest multiple people involved with the trafficking.   Also with assistance from W.T Stead the age consent for sex was increased from 12 to 16 years old.

It is individuals like W.T Stead that makes me want to pursue a career investigative journalism.

In conclusion this lecture was by far my favourite and reassured my choice in studying journalism.