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Investigative Journalism
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Investigative Journalism
Proven Strategies for Reporting the Story



June 2007 | 291 pages | CQ Press

Investigative Journalism is a “how-to” primer for beginning investigative journalists. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter William C. Gaines uses a unique case-study method to teach readers what investigative reporting is, why it is important, and how it is practiced. The case studies are punctuated by reflective questions and answers that systematically guide readers through the narrative. This clever pedagogical device mimics the path of a reporter gathering information and working on a story. Readers will get a first-hand, real-life look at investigative journalists doing their job.

Recognizing that most instructors involve their students in writing actual stories right away, Investigative Journalism is concise and practical. Gaines reveals many strategies to generate story ideas, choose subjects to investigate, and uncover and sift through information and data. Along with the case study exercises, Investigative Journalism is loaded with specific resources used by practicing reporters, plus chapter-specific assignments for student reporters to launch their own investigations. Each chapter concludes with a chapter summary and class assignments.

The cases are based on real investigative stories. Only the names and places have been changed to protect reporters, their sources, and the secrets they have revealed to the author. Students will find these how-to cases widely applicable to the entangled bureaucracies, the free-wheeling local governments, or potential medical insurance fraud scandals they may find in their first jobs in countless cities and towns across the country.


 
1. The Investigative Reporter
 
2. How to Investigate and Pitch a Story
 
3. Investigating a Person, Place or Entity
 
4. Using the Internet During Investigations
 
5. Investigating Those Who Guard the Public
 
6. Examining the Police and the Courts
 
7. Investigating Charities, Non-Profits and Foundations
 
8. Investigating Government
 
9. Reporting About Consumer Fraud
 
10. Investigating Health Care
 
11. Investigating Business
 
12. Special Topic and Tricks of the Trade
 
Appendices
 
Federal Freedom of Information Act
 
Law, Tax Exempt Organizations, and IRS 990 Filing
 
How TV, Newspaper, and Internet Writing Styles Differ
 
Glossary
 
Index

The book contains a lot of topic for the beginner in this field.As arrangement of contents are step by step which readers will find very helpful

Ms Dewigah Natarajah
Faculty of Communication,Media and Broadcasting, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
April 9, 2013

For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9780872894143
$68.00

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.