investigative journalism

Meaning

This term refers to a form of deep-dive reporting where journalists spend months or even years uncovering hidden truths, corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. It is highly respected and often involves analyzing public records, interviewing whistleblowers, and conducting undercover work. The tone is formal and serious, typically used in discussions about media ethics, democracy, and news production.

Examples

• The documentary highlights the crucial role of investigative journalism in exposing government corruption.

  The documentary highlights the crucial role of investigative journalism in exposing government corruption.

• She won a prestigious award for her outstanding work in investigative journalism.

  She won a prestigious award for her outstanding work in investigative journalism.

• Without high-quality investigative journalism, many corporate scandals would remain hidden from the public.

  Without high-quality investigative journalism, many corporate scandals would remain hidden from the public.

• Funding for investigative journalism has declined significantly as digital media outlets prioritize clickbait.

  Funding for investigative journalism has declined significantly as digital media outlets prioritize clickbait.

• The newspaper has a dedicated team focused solely on long-form investigative journalism.

  The newspaper has a dedicated team focused solely on long-form investigative journalism.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He works in investigation journalism.

  ✓ He works in investigative journalism.

  We must use the adjective form 'investigative' to modify 'journalism' instead of the noun 'investigation'.

• ✗ The TV station did a great investigative journalist about the scandal.

  ✓ The TV station did a great piece of investigative journalism about the scandal.

  'Journalist' refers to the person, whereas 'journalism' refers to the profession or the work itself.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The Watergate scandal is one of the most famous historical examples of ___.

  💡 Deep reporting that uncovers secrets

  Show answer

  investigative journalism

• Many democratic societies rely on ___ to hold powerful institutions accountable.

  💡 In-depth investigative reporting

  Show answer

  investigative journalism