Investigative Journalist

What is an investigative journalist?

An investigative journalist is someone who collects and analyzes information to uncover hidden stories, expose wrongdoing, and bring important issues to light. They go beyond traditional reporting to investigate and uncover the truth.

What does an investigative journalist do?

As an investigative journalist, you will:

• Research and gather information through interviews, document analysis, and data mining.
• Use critical thinking and analytical skills to connect the dots and uncover hidden patterns or corruption.
• Verify facts and sources to ensure accuracy in your reporting.
• Write in-depth articles, reports, or documentaries to present your findings to the public.
• Ask tough questions and hold powerful individuals or institutions accountable.
• Work under tight deadlines and balance multiple investigations at once.

What does the day-to-day life of an investigative journalist look like?

As an investigative journalist, your day-to-day life can be quite varied. You may spend your time:

• Conducting interviews with sources, both in person and over the phone.
• Researching and analyzing documents, reports, and data.
• Attending press conferences or court hearings to gather information.
• Writing articles or creating reports with your findings.
• Collaborating with other journalists or experts on complex investigations.
• Working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines.

Where does an investigative journalist work?

Investigative journalists can work in various settings, including:

• Newspapers: Investigating and writing stories for print publications.
• Online news platforms: Conducting investigations and publishing articles on news websites.
• Broadcast media: Producing investigative reports or documentaries for television and radio.
• Freelancing: Working independently and selling your investigative stories to different outlets.
• Non-profit organizations: Employed by organizations focused on investigative journalism.

What tools/software does an investigative journalist use?

Investigative journalists use a variety of tools and software, including:

• Research databases: Access to online databases like LexisNexis or Factiva to gather information.
• Data analysis tools: Using software like Excel or Tableau to analyze and visualize large data sets.
• Digital recording equipment: For interviews and capturing audio evidence.
• Open-source investigation tools: Tools like open-source intelligence (OSINT) platforms to gather information from online sources.

What do I need to become an investigative journalist?

There are several paths to becoming an investigative journalist, including:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field: Many employers prefer candidates with a formal education in journalism.
• Experience in journalism: Gaining experience through internships or working for smaller publications can help develop your skills and build a portfolio.
• Networking: Building relationships with other journalists or industry professionals can lead to opportunities and mentorship.
• Investigative journalism courses or workshops: Taking courses or attending workshops focused on investigative reporting can enhance your skills and knowledge.

What career paths are available?

As an investigative journalist, there are various career paths you can pursue, including:

• Senior Investigative Journalist: Progressing in your career, leading larger and more complex investigations.
• Editorial Leadership: Becoming an editor or managing editor, overseeing a team of journalists and guiding investigative projects.
• Author/Book Writer: Transitioning to writing books based on your investigative work.
• Documentary Filmmaker: Creating investigative documentaries to expose important issues.

What jobs are similar to an investigative journalist?

Some related jobs to consider are:

• Research Analyst: Collecting and analyzing data to support research projects or investigations.
• Private Investigator: Conducting investigations and gathering evidence for legal or private clients.
• Data Journalist: Using data analysis and visualization skills to uncover stories and present complex information in a visual format.

What made you want to become an investigative journalist?

How did you get your first investigative journalist job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an investigative journalist?

Are you an investigative journalist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers in investigative journalism. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.