What is Investigative Journalism: History, Characteristics, Scope, Best Examples
Investigative journalism may very well be the most intriguing and rewarding type of journalism. Find out what it's all about in the article below.
What is Investigative Journalism?
Journalism has different types and forms. One of these types is Investigative Journalism. This journalism started centuries ago, but became famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During that time, journalists like Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair from the United States exposed the abuses of powerful companies and the difficulties faced by workers. Today, investigative journalism has become an important tool in democratic societies. It has become the pillar of true journalism in corporates, TRPs, paid viewerships, etc. Read this article to know about investigative journalism in detail, its origins, characteristics, negatives and positives, and best examples.
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- What is Investigative Journalism?
- Best Examples of Investigative Journalism
- Famous Investigative Journalists
- Career Scope and Salary of an Investigative Journalist in India
- List of Popular Investigative Journalists in India
What is Investigative Journalism?
Investigative Journalism uses deep research to uncover the truth and scandals to bring stories that were never told before to readers and viewers. Investigative journalism began in the late 18th century. During that time, some newspapers from the UK and the US questioned government actions.
With time, investigative journalism grew to become a popular and reliable source of news information, and readers started believing in it. Investigative Journalists started digging deep into complex issues, they brought out hidden truths, exposed corruption, and held the powerful accountable. With a rich history of uncovering scandals and bringing justice to light, investigative journalism continues to shape societies worldwide. Today, it stands as a guiding light in a world often overshadowed by fake news, misinformation, and deception.
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Investigative Journalism Famous Cases
Investigative journalism has played an important role in exposing many cases, from political scandals to corporate corruption and more. One famous example was the Watergate scandal, where famed journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's relentless investigation led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
In recent times, as well, investigative journalists have uncovered many scandals. One such is the Panama Papers leaks and the Paradise Papers leaks, which were revealed to be a global tax evasion and money laundering scandal where numerous global politicians, celebrities, and corporations were caught under the radar.
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Solving previous year JMI question papers will help the candidates in understading the exam pattern and know the types of questions that are asked. It will also help them know question-wise weightage of topics in the JMI exam and their difficulty level. At times, the questions from previous tests are used in the current year's test and if candidates have already solved questions from the past, they will be able to solve the same question in their JMI exam quickly.
As per expert advice, candidates must solve JMI question paper of at least last five years. The JMI previous year papers will help them understand the type questions asked and topic wise weightage. Also, prepare for the questions asked historically.
Non-MCQ questions are less than 20 per cent of the total number of questions in the JMI question paper. The non-MCQs are mostly from topics like National and International Political issues/ personalities, General Knowledge, Film, Television and other modes of media, Art, culture and literature.
Best Examples of Investigative Journalism
Out of the many examples where Investigative Journalism has stood, one such is The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team's investigation into child sex abuse within the Catholic Church. This incident was also portrayed in the film "Spotlight," which showcased the power of persistent reporting in exposing institutional wrongdoing.
Another example is that of Seymour Hersh, who uncovered the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. This incident is also remembered as it exemplifies the courage and determination required to challenge powerful institutions.
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Famous Investigative Journalists
International famous investigative journalists are Glenn Greenwald, Seymour Hersh, Woodward, and Bernstein. In India, Ravish Kumar, P. Sainath, and Late Gauri Lankesh have made major contributions to investigative journalism.
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Career Scope and Salary of an Investigative Journalist in India
To become an investigative journalist, a candidate needs to have a combination of skills, such as research abilities, critical thinking, and ethical journalism practices. For freshers, the job is limited to traditional newsrooms or investigative reporting teams within media organizations. With experience and hard work, they can make a place as an independent investigative journalist.
In India, the salary for an investigative journalist depends on experience, the media house they are working for, as well as job location. Journalists in Tier 1 cities are paid more than Tier 2 to 3 candidates. Coming to the salary, the entry-level salary for an investigative journalist can range from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month in major cities, followed by ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 in small towns.
However, with experience, they can earn significantly higher, with up to ₹1 lakh or more per month. Aspiring investigative journalists can also do freelance or collaborate with other nonprofit investigative outlets; however, in this case, the pay scale can be paltry, as freelancers' earnings may depend on the success of their investigations and the media outlet they work for.
List of Popular Investigative Journalists in India
Some popular journalists in the country include -
- Rana Ayyub
- Pandit Ayush Gaur
- Kumar Sambhav
- Nayantara Ranganathan
- Ritu Sarin, etc.
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Candidates can download the JMI entrance exam sample papers of a particular course from the official website of JMI. Candidates will have to choose the course and the department to get the previous years papers. Shiksha.com has also shared the direct link to download the previous year question papers.