Investigative Journalism

Unfortunately, I was gone last week for a broadcast journalism trip with BYU to the MWC Tournament. I didn't get to participate in the Jeopardy game, but I did get to go out and experience journalism in the real world, with real journalists (not that BYU students aren't REAL journalists, but you get the point).

Investigative journalism   poses a lot of interest to the general public. To many, investigative journalism is the only form of honest reporting. This could be said because to the viewer, they see the reporter as someone under covering things that are deceiving to the public. 

Here is an article that states how the art of investigative reporting is slowly decreasing, especially from larger networks. With lawsuits being common in today's society, investigative journalism is becoming more and more risky. A great example of this can be found here, where the author talks about the potential harm and obstacles that can occur during investigative reporting. 

Yesterday in the Comms 300 class on media and ethics, the topic of recording others was discussed. A great point was made about whether or not undercover reporting would fall under the unethical category. I found a link that relates to the points that were discussed. 

To me, investigative reporting is fun. It takes work and makes the job entertaining. However, with that being said, there are many fine lines that undercover jobs contain. Whether or not I would be willing to take the risk to report undercover would depend on the topic. It would be a thrill, but there are only two ways the story can end; great, or in tragedy. 

Investigative journalism is a lost art. We see it less and less in today's society--but when it does appear on networks and TV, it usually makes for the most interesting stories.