Main reasons/excuses given:
- Investigative journalism was a skill that was a necessity back in the day, even for gathering basic facts for a news story before the Freedom of Information Act. However, now that getting such information is easier, so media houses and workers don't place much emphasis on this skill.
- For television you don't need alot of information to create a newstory. You just need to write enough material to cover a minute or so of air time therefore extensive investigation may not be necessary.
- Remember, local media does have limited resources. It takes too much time and energy to create the few investigative stories during a week or month in comparison to the regular journalist who can kick out three stories a day!
Some seasoned journalists don't have a passion for their jobs anymore; doing only what is necessary to get the job done. Treating journalism as a 9-5 job and not being willing to work much longer pass the hours they have too. There isn't much pride, drive, passion... nor healthy employee rivalry or fear from external competition.
Posted by FT
I agree. Investigative journalism is almost dead. When Herbert Volney made his accusations about the CJ every journalist went to everyone under the sun to find out their "opinion" and what he should do,creating a back and forth for weeks when any good investigative jounalist would've just found out if it was really true, then nip it in the bud, forcing one of the parties to apologize immediately.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that your term "laissez-faire" us used a bit out of context... and is also misspelled.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, IJ is just that - an Investigation by a Journalist - it's not coverage of spot news (which, sadly, the vast majority of local reporters make a woeful job of); it's not transcribing soundbites (like what is presented on TV news); it's not "he said/she said" (as which pertains on the airwaves); and it's definitely not "sources said" (a weekly tabloid print technique that has migrated quietly into the daily paper).
Rather, one needs to understand the society and its pillars; accept the responsibilities of the Fourth Estate, embrace the unknown; and let the questions come from your *vast* understanding (rather than simply parroting a talk-show host's vague, idle, off-hand inquiry).
It means that self-education and self-regulation are the pillars of this art, and that it a distinction that only comes with sweat - and not tertiary schooling.
Ask yourself why the greatest investigative journalists have grey hair. Also ask why the younger younger so-called investigators have grey motives, grey morals and green egos.
ever thought the reason why media is the way it is, poor journalism, whatever it bee, investigative, news, entertainment, is that the media managers and owners are happy with the state of affairs...at the end of the day money is made with a few complaints here and there but papers are still bought, tv stations still have ads. It is the culture created by a lack of interest, real interest in quality by media managers and owners
ReplyDelete1. there's a buyout of the majority of seasoned journalists who actually have the skills to do investigative journalism...look at the recent exodus of media personnel to the Government.
ReplyDelete2. Some Investigative journalists lose their credibility too easily...some are involved with politicians and prominent business persons. When time to do the job...how do you bash the arms that keep you warm at night?
3. So many investigative journalists have lawsuits pending against them...ask them! I'm sure they all have really good lawyers
4.Investigative journalism takes sooooo much time and effort. Speaking from experience..sometimes to get a little info, you have a pass a lil sumn sumn..(money or sex).
All this is my opinion anyways...
yes....the situation with the Clerical Officers would have been dealt with adequately by a reporter and the truth be brought to the fore front......and in a time when this new gov't claims to have given the people a voice..investigative reporting would fall into place nicely within this five years.....alot of accusations.....no real facts coming forth
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of what was said, in particular, that of the second response. Using deadlines and quotas as reasoning for the lack of investigative journalism is a flimsy excuse. Personally I believe that if your aim is to get to the truth then deadlines are secondary. Also, from experience, I see many people who lack the basic effort of searching for relevant information. With resources such as google and youtube being so ubiquitous one would expect that the job of the investigative journalist would be getting easier.
ReplyDeleteI have one thing to say on this....
ReplyDeleteTrini's have a nine day syndrome.....investigative Journalism takes time...so by the time the story comes out...and the investigation IS TAKING PLACE....we already forget the issue...Plus it's time consuming...