Misha Sillifant

 

 

Investigative journalism is a form of journalism which entails journalists/reporters to deeply investigate a topic or interest that they plan to write about or capture in a picture. These investigations can happen overnight or even in the space of years to finally produce.

 

In some cases Investigative journalism does not mean get the story at any cost for example The BBC work on getting their information accurate rather by taking their time to research rather than unreliable but quick information. The BBC introduced the Editorial Values which is their values and standards of which they follow. The BBC state that they must give “audiences content made to the highest editorial and ethical standards. We must therefore balance our presumption of freedom of expression with our responsibilities, for example to respect privacy, to be fair, to avoid unjustifiable offence and to provide appropriate protection for our audiences from harm” (Section 1: The BBC's Editorial Values Introduction). The Editorial Guidelines always try and maintain the BBC's Editorial Values as they stand for the same things. This is that they make sure all their output is accurate, this is done by finding facts, sources and information to make sure that they get the truth. They also make sure that the information that is being given is not influenced by any other companies or outside interests. Making sure that the stories reported are significant and well explained to suit the audience. 

 

However in some cases some journalists will do many things to get a story or pictures that they think will sell and be successful. For example Photographer Matt Cardy, who was the winner of photojournalist of the year at the British Journalism Awards 2012, travelled to Afghanistan to capture shots of the closure of the last UK base at Camp Bastion. Although this was “a perfect opportunity” (Matt Cardy photographs the last troops leaving Afghanistan, 2014) he still had to go through a lot when he arrived in the country “there is the MoD Green Book to sign, ISAF accreditation to complete, Afghan visa to apply for, medicals to pass and up-to-date hostile environment courses to be attended” (Matt Cardy photographs the last troops leaving Afghanistan, 2014).

 

Another major form of journalists that will get a story or picture at any cost is the paparazzi. They will go to extreme lengths just to get the one shot they desire. When trying to get pictures of famous people they will stand in front of cars, walk right in front of the celebrity or even go to their houses and take shots. The paparazzi also like to delve right into celebrities private lives to get many stories that they think will appeal to audiences. This happened recently with singer Adele when her toddler had been photographed during private moments she said "It is a matter of profound sadness that many of his milestone moments, such as his first family outing and his first trip to playgroup, were photographed and published worldwide expressly against his family's wishes" (Adele's 1-Year-Old Son Wins  5-Figure Sum in Paparazzi Lawsuit, 2014).

 

Overall I believe that there are more arguments for investigative journalism meaning get the story at any cost. This is also because there are organisations such as The Press Complaints Commission. This organisation deals with complaints that are framed within the terms of the Editors' Code of Practice with complaints about editorially-controlled material in UK newspapers and magazines (and their websites) from the members of public. They also deal with the physical behaviour of journalists and any complaints made about them. Their main focus is to protect and give guidance to individuals who may need their help and they strongly protect peoples rights. This means that journalists must go to any extreme lengths to get their stories as a company has made a complaints system for people to report any unacceptable behaviour by them.

 

Even though I believe that investigative journalism does mean get the story at any cost I also believe that it shouldn’t be this way. This is because journalists can sometimes take it too far with what they investigate and how they get the stories. This is because they can risk their lives by putting themselves in dangerous positions or also can risk the lives of other people and invade their private life.

 

 

 

      Reference

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/page/guidelines-editorial-values-introduction/ (Section 1: The BBC's Editorial Values Introduction) [accessed date 26/01/15]

• http://stories.gettyimages.com/leaving-afghanistan/ (Matt Cardy photographs the last troops leaving Afghanistan, 2014) [accessed date 26/01/15]

• http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6176678/adele-son-wins-paparazzi-lawsuit (Adele's 1-Year-Old Son Wins 5-Figure Sum in Paparazzi Lawsuit, 2014) [accessed date 26/01/15]