Story-based inquiry: a manual for investigative journalists

by Mark Hunter Lee

This manual provides a guide to basic methods and techniques of investigative journalism, and it consciously fills a gap in the literature of the profession. The majority of investigative manuals devote a lot of space to the subject of where to find information. They assume that once a reporter finds the information he or she seeks, he or she will be able to compose a viable story.

The publication focuses on the hypothesis-based inquiry approach, which takes the basic assumption that a story is only a hypothesis until verified. The methods and skills applying to every step of the investigative process, from conception to research, writing, quality control and dissemination, have been thoroughly analyzed and are well illustrated by case studies in each chapter.

UNESCO has consistently supported initiatives that promote accountability and professional standards in journalism. Since 2005 the Amman-based ARIJ has been working to improve the quality of investigative reporting and nurture a culture of investigative journalism across the region, among and by Arab media professionals and activists, for the benefit of the Arab public.

Genres: Journalism, Nonfiction

87 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conventional news reporting aim to create an objective image of the world as it is. Investigative reporting uses objectively true material – that is, facts that any reasonable observer would agree are true – toward the subjective goal of reforming the world. That is not a license to lie in a good cause. It is a responsibility, to learn the truth so that the world can change.
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Is the story worth it?
The world is full of suffering, and much of that suffering is useless, the result of vice and error. Anything that lessens suffering, cruelty and stupidity is worth undertaking. Investigation can further that end.

Feb 9, 20

[verovaleros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is gold! I wish I’ve read it 5 years ago! So useful not only to people working as journalists, but also for researchers in general. Love it!

[Poppy Lee (燕) · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who picked up investigating on the job, this book is superb for providing frameworks and technical tools.

It gave words and practical breakdown to some of my instincts, which means that instead of going by gut-feelings, I now have tangible skills that can be practised and tapped on by choice.

My biggest learning points:

1. We all know Data is gold, so organizing your data is absolutely crucial especially as your cases get bigger and more complicated (the manual details examples of how you can data organize)

2. Data overload is a hazard - it takes skill to turn mass data into knowledge/a story. Begin your story with a very, very clear hypothesis that you constantly return to to check your data against. This will keep you on course throughout the investigation process

3. Never x3 force the data to fit your hypothesis. That's what a bad journalist does to push out a click-baity story or to gain favour with their boss. Part of a journalist's role is to uphold the truth, and that also means listening to what the data is saying, even if it goes against your initial hypothesis or even so far as to mean you have to drop the story (that alone might reveal there is a story there that you weren't seeing).

4. Feel all the emotions when speaking to your sources, because their emotion could guide you into where the real story lies

5. However, Never become friends with your sources

6. Contrary to popular belief, open-sources are your best friends and tapping on them before approaching human sources will give you an edge

[Matt Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neatly and concisely adapts the scientific method to journalism.

[mae :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molt clar, molts exemples sobre casos reals i dinàmic

[Velvetink]

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communic...