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Watchdog Journalism: The Art of Investigative Reporting
Watchdog The Art of Investigative Reporting takes readers into the world of Pulitzer Prize reporting. Drawing from intriguing interviews and archival research, author Stephen J. Berry reveals the drama of the job and the passion of its practitioners as he narrates the back stories of six investigative projects that earned the craft's most coveted honor.
Rather than focusing solely on huge assignments that are out of reach for everyday journalists, the book explores stories that could emerge on the beat in "Anywhere, USA." Each chapter provides a fascinating case study that covers interviewing, working sources, ferreting out records, and dealing with partners and editors. This case-study approach details the genesis, development, and outcome of these stories, offering students a chance to see how journalists view their roles as public watchdogs and as professionals competing in an increasingly profit-centered environment. The text also discusses how crucial it is for journalists to follow a model of performance and ethical reporting standards in order to advance the role of journalism in our society.
Providing a mix of suspense, fun, and serious discourse, Watchdog Journalism is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in investigative reporting. It is also a great resource for general readers, educators, and journalists curious about Pulitzer-quality reporting.
Rather than focusing solely on huge assignments that are out of reach for everyday journalists, the book explores stories that could emerge on the beat in "Anywhere, USA." Each chapter provides a fascinating case study that covers interviewing, working sources, ferreting out records, and dealing with partners and editors. This case-study approach details the genesis, development, and outcome of these stories, offering students a chance to see how journalists view their roles as public watchdogs and as professionals competing in an increasingly profit-centered environment. The text also discusses how crucial it is for journalists to follow a model of performance and ethical reporting standards in order to advance the role of journalism in our society.
Providing a mix of suspense, fun, and serious discourse, Watchdog Journalism is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in investigative reporting. It is also a great resource for general readers, educators, and journalists curious about Pulitzer-quality reporting.
290 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2008
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April 11, 2021
A celebration of journalism which is also an indictment of the vast majority of reporting at the same time.
While called 'The Art of Investigative Reporting', more precisely this is a collection of pieces designed to show how everyday 'beat' reporting can set off a major investigation, and a manifesto calling for all reporters to have an investigative mentality.
The stories are well chosen, covering a sex scandal, war atrocities, healthcare failures, industrial negligence and police corruption. Berry shows how small leads were turned into big stories - often ones that had been missed repeatedly by the same publications or their rivals in previous years (anyone who watched the film Spotlight will have seen an excellent example of this).
It is questionable how representative this sample is. The number of Pulitzer-winning or nominated editors involved in these stories gives a clue as to the kind of institutional culture required. Only at the end does Berry acknowledge that beyond beat reporters needing an investigative mindset, this kind of journalism might require editors and bosses to think differently about the value of stories. The rise of clickbait and the falling numbers of local newspapers illustrate the challenge.
The conclusion is both inspiring and depressing - the big stories are out there waiting to be found but are often being missed.
While called 'The Art of Investigative Reporting', more precisely this is a collection of pieces designed to show how everyday 'beat' reporting can set off a major investigation, and a manifesto calling for all reporters to have an investigative mentality.
The stories are well chosen, covering a sex scandal, war atrocities, healthcare failures, industrial negligence and police corruption. Berry shows how small leads were turned into big stories - often ones that had been missed repeatedly by the same publications or their rivals in previous years (anyone who watched the film Spotlight will have seen an excellent example of this).
It is questionable how representative this sample is. The number of Pulitzer-winning or nominated editors involved in these stories gives a clue as to the kind of institutional culture required. Only at the end does Berry acknowledge that beyond beat reporters needing an investigative mindset, this kind of journalism might require editors and bosses to think differently about the value of stories. The rise of clickbait and the falling numbers of local newspapers illustrate the challenge.
The conclusion is both inspiring and depressing - the big stories are out there waiting to be found but are often being missed.
April 20, 2012
Stephen J. Berry, Watchdog Journalism (The Art of Investigative Reporting). (United States of America: Oxford University Press, 2009).
Judul : Watchdog Journalism (The Art of Investigative Reporting)
Penulis/Editor : Stephen J. Berry
Ringkasan : Buku ini mengajak pembaca untuk mengenal lebih jauh tentang dunia peliputan peraih penghargaan Pulitzer Prize. Memuat interview dan arsip riset dalam tiap chapter, Stephen J. Berry menguak drama di balik pekerjaan sebagai jurnalis yang menekuni peliputan investigatif. Terdapat enam proyek investigasi yang disajikan dalam buku ini. Tiap chapter memuat studi kasus yang mengumpulkan hasil wawancara, data-data pekerjaan, dan hasil peliputan. Tiap studi kasus berisi detail persiapan peliputan investigasi, perkembangan, hingga hasilnya dalam bentuk cerita. Buku ini mengajak pembaca untuk melihat bagaimana para jurnalis memandang perannya sebagai "public watchdogs". Buku ini juga membahas betapa pentingnya bagi jurnalis untuk mengikuti alur kerja dan mematuhi standar etika peliputan untuk meningkatkan fungsi jurnalisme bagi masyarakat.
Daftar Isi :
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Investigative Mentality Exposes Cash-Seizure Abuse
Chapter 2: Secret Sources, Documents Unlock Dark Secret
Chapter 3: Persistence, Empathy Used in Tracking Tiger Force Terror
Chapter 4: Soft Touch Shows Shipbreaking Kills, Maims
Chapter 5: Paper Trail Reveals Exploitation of Mentally Ill
Chapter 6: Daily Coverage Key to Hospital Horrors
Conclusions
Appendix A: "Tainted Cash or Easy Money?"
Appendix B: Court Record in Chapter 2
Appendix C: Coy Allegation in Chapter 3
Bahasa : Inggris
Halaman : 304
Penerbit : Oxford University Press
Tahun terbit : 2009
Harga : $39.95
Judul : Watchdog Journalism (The Art of Investigative Reporting)
Penulis/Editor : Stephen J. Berry
Ringkasan : Buku ini mengajak pembaca untuk mengenal lebih jauh tentang dunia peliputan peraih penghargaan Pulitzer Prize. Memuat interview dan arsip riset dalam tiap chapter, Stephen J. Berry menguak drama di balik pekerjaan sebagai jurnalis yang menekuni peliputan investigatif. Terdapat enam proyek investigasi yang disajikan dalam buku ini. Tiap chapter memuat studi kasus yang mengumpulkan hasil wawancara, data-data pekerjaan, dan hasil peliputan. Tiap studi kasus berisi detail persiapan peliputan investigasi, perkembangan, hingga hasilnya dalam bentuk cerita. Buku ini mengajak pembaca untuk melihat bagaimana para jurnalis memandang perannya sebagai "public watchdogs". Buku ini juga membahas betapa pentingnya bagi jurnalis untuk mengikuti alur kerja dan mematuhi standar etika peliputan untuk meningkatkan fungsi jurnalisme bagi masyarakat.
Daftar Isi :
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Investigative Mentality Exposes Cash-Seizure Abuse
Chapter 2: Secret Sources, Documents Unlock Dark Secret
Chapter 3: Persistence, Empathy Used in Tracking Tiger Force Terror
Chapter 4: Soft Touch Shows Shipbreaking Kills, Maims
Chapter 5: Paper Trail Reveals Exploitation of Mentally Ill
Chapter 6: Daily Coverage Key to Hospital Horrors
Conclusions
Appendix A: "Tainted Cash or Easy Money?"
Appendix B: Court Record in Chapter 2
Appendix C: Coy Allegation in Chapter 3
Bahasa : Inggris
Halaman : 304
Penerbit : Oxford University Press
Tahun terbit : 2009
Harga : $39.95
December 1, 2012
I had to read this for an investigative reporting course I was taking and I must admit that I find it even more intriguing than the IRE's handbook. Presents longer and more diverse pieces and the various reporter's commentary is spot on as far as advice for aspiring investigative reporters. Overall, great read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews