Investigative Jouralism

All good Journalism should be investigative. The purpose of a Journalist is to accurately recount an event in all detail, if this is the case then we should all be taught the vitally important traits of Investigative Journalism.

There is a simple way to remember the key principals of this style of reporting - the "IN's"

• INtelligent - ask intelligent and profound questions and know when the subject is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
• INformed - stay up to date as news breaks.
• INtuitive - Intuition, use your gut.
• INside - What's really happening?
• INvest - Invest yourself in the story, be prepared to take a risk.

The purpose of an Investigative Journalist is overall to get to the bottom line of a story. This involves a representing four different tenants.

Firstly, it is expected that Investigative Journalists (IJ's) conduct critical ad thorough journalism when recounting a story, they need to show active participation in the story and the sourcing of facts.

Secondly, they are the "custodians of conscience" i.e. brining stories that would normally be silenced into view of the public domain.

IJ's also need to provide a voice for those who don't have one. Bring issues that affect the greater public into the media.

Finally it should be the prerogative of IJ's to be the Fourth Estate - to keep the Government accountable and maintain the balance of power.