Investigative journalism is the study of topics that demand public accountability, like corruption or crime. Watchdog journalists are similar to detectives and use a number of skills to uncover the truth, such as document analysis, interviewing people in power or those who have been wronged, researching and developing new angles, and rigorously adhering to ethical reporting guidelines.
Journalists may have to be nimble to deal with the demands of the modern world, but they must never abandon their watchdog duty. This can be done by embracing new formats and tools that are available, for example, satellite imagery, social media data and digital graphics, as well as traditional news reporting.
Some investigative stories are about things that affect all of society, others affect specific groups or individuals, and still others are personal – such as relationships within a family. However, the decision to investigate a story does not come lightly and each tip off must be assessed on its own merits. Investigative reports are often much more time consuming than other forms of reporting. They often involve gathering lots of small details that make up the whole picture, which can take weeks, months or even years.
A good way to think of it is to compare it to putting together a jigsaw puzzle. At the beginning there is a big pile of jumbled pieces, but over time they come together and create a picture. It is important to know when you have enough information and when it is time to publish.