Investigative reporting
SNSG 11,17
"you don't need a big staff to do investigative reporting...two or three reporters committed to doing professional journalism at a student level can get a lot done" 96
Sometimes, I feel this book speaks to bigger universities. And sometimes it hits home.
Our paper is small, but we've covered some important issues. Some that even caused controversy. I am speaking about two articles in particular: Andrea Perkin's article on the banquet for accepted students last semester, and Megan Ritter's article on caffeine pills being sold in the bookstore (two years ago?). Both of those stories delt with touchy issues, and writers were professional. They didn't run out and accuse anyone of anything.
The subject matter in investigative reporting may "afflict the comfortable", but as long as the reporters allow the opposig view to be heard, they did their jobs. That doesn't mean there won't be a backlash or consequences. There are several questions investigative reporters must ask themselves when deciding to publish a story:
1) can I look at myself in the mirror if/when this hits the stands?
2) is it worth it? Do the potential punishments outweigh the potential rewards? How important is doing the right thing?
"you don't need a big staff to do investigative reporting...two or three reporters committed to doing professional journalism at a student level can get a lot done" 96
Sometimes, I feel this book speaks to bigger universities. And sometimes it hits home.
Our paper is small, but we've covered some important issues. Some that even caused controversy. I am speaking about two articles in particular: Andrea Perkin's article on the banquet for accepted students last semester, and Megan Ritter's article on caffeine pills being sold in the bookstore (two years ago?). Both of those stories delt with touchy issues, and writers were professional. They didn't run out and accuse anyone of anything.
The subject matter in investigative reporting may "afflict the comfortable", but as long as the reporters allow the opposig view to be heard, they did their jobs. That doesn't mean there won't be a backlash or consequences. There are several questions investigative reporters must ask themselves when deciding to publish a story:
1) can I look at myself in the mirror if/when this hits the stands?
2) is it worth it? Do the potential punishments outweigh the potential rewards? How important is doing the right thing?
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I agree that there are two sides to every story. As journalists, we must not focus on one side while not paying attention to the other. Exposure can be a good thing if done correctly.