Hot Topic - Investigative Reporting

Online Investigators Uncover Massive Corruption, Then Get Punished - December 16, 2019
Whistleblowers don’t always make news, just sometimes. That a person comes forward from within an organization or community to reveal malfeasance, corruption or crime reveals an ethical depth often at odds with common wisdom: go along to get along. Reality, of course, can be dramatic. Confidential sources are protected by journalistic ethics, alive and well in most places. Like journalists who look into their claims, whistleblowers face retribution.

One Thing Leads To Another, The Secret Life Of Secrets - December 9, 2019
Secrets are the stock-in-trade of many endeavors, some can’t live without them. Non-disclosure agreements were invented to prevent people from sharing what they know. People paying attention in the normal course of a day adsorb details and, too, secrets. This is not about intellectual property. It’s about true-crime.

Cat Or Not, The Show Will Go On - October 17, 2019
Lawsuits are not pleasant, particularly for those on the receiving end. TV and newspaper reporting just makes lawsuits even more painful as investigative reporters find all kinds of new information in court filings. But in the post-modern age as all publicity is good publicity, lawsuits can also be great news. One would think lawyers would know this.

Obviously, There Are More Lawyers Than Journalists - August 18, 2019
The arrival of that registered letter threatening legal action has become more common in newsrooms. Critical reporting, particularly of the investigative kind, irritates those on the receiving end of unflattering note. Many of the dismayed are rich, powerful and command legions of lawyers. The biggest newsrooms have their own lawyers. Smaller publishers and independent journalists suffer anxiety attacks and worse.

Intimidation Serves A Purpose And The Result Is Frightening - August 5, 2019
Reporting on crime and corruption is a dangerous calling. Those pressing deeply into those swamps are sure to meet the creepy crawlies who dwell there. Many are venomous and unrepentant. Some scatter with the sunlight; not all. It is called the underworld for a reason.

Reporters Continue To Track Down Killers Of Their Own - June 29, 2019
Investigations are meant to bring sunlight to wrongdoing. Jail-time can result from judicial investigations reinforced by trials. Journalistic investigations put wrongdoing under the klieg of public pressure. It is no surprise that those engaged in egregious behavior fear investigative reporters more than their courts.

Interesting Tips Arrive At Interesting Times - May 20, 2019
Good investigative reporters have sources in high places and low places. And they are not waiting for a phone call. Nor do they wait to spring into action. Decisions must be made. Details must be collected. Great investigative reporters have the trust of the best sources and never forget.

See also in ftm Knowledge

Investigative Reporting

Investigative reporters have a storied honor among journalists. Praise is less forthcoming from those with secrets, often ready to use all possible means - legal and otherwise - to avoid detection. New tools are emerging to shed light and tell all. This ftm Knowledge file explores methods, old and new, and the forces prefering darkness. 54 pages PDF (May 2016)

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