At a time of hyper-partisanship, media fragmentation and ‘fake news’, the work of investigative journalism has never been more important. This book explores the history and art of investigative journalism, and explains how to deal with legal bullies, crooked politicians, media bosses, big business and intelligence agencies; how to withstand conspiracy theories; and how to work collaboratively across borders in the new age of data journalism. It also provides a fascinating first-hand account of the work that went into breaking major news stories including Wiki Leaks and the Edward Snowden affair.
Drawing on over 40 years of experience with world-leading investigative teams at newspapers including the Guardian and The Washington Post, award-winning journalist David Leigh provides an illuminating insight into some of the biggest news events of the 20th and 21st centuries. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes work of journalists and news organizations. It also acts as an essential practical toolkit for both aspiring and established investigative journalists.
Table of Content
1. Introduction.- 2. A Short History of Investigative Journalism.- 3. Two Case Histories: Jonathan Aitken and BAe.- 4. Investigative Journalists and their Bosses.- 5. Journalists versus the Law.- 6. Dealing with Spies and Spooks.- 7. Conspiracy Theories.- 8. Bad Practice and Good Practice.- 9. Cross-border collaboration.- 10. Fake News in Mainstream Journalism.- 11. Trafigura – a Classic Investigation.- 12. Conclusion: A Golden Age for Investigative Journalism?
About the author
David Leigh is one of Britain’s best-known investigative journalists, and the Anthony Sampson Professor in Reporting at City, University of London, UK. He was head of investigations at the Guardian for 15 years, a journalist for The Times, the Observer and The Scotsman, and the first Laurence Stern Fellow at The Washington Post. He was also a TV producer at This Week and World in Action. He has won numerous journalism awards and is the author of several books, including Wikileaks: Inside Julian Assange’s War on Secrecy (2011).