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Investigative Journalism Here is a summary, on the subject of investigative journalism, of the official contents of the code of conduct Rights and Responsibilities of the Press in Quebec. The first column contains the rights of media organizations and journalists, and the second column, the responsibilities with regard to the information they broadcast or publish.
UNDER THE THEME:
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
The term “investigative” here refers to a particular process of gathering and verifying facts that can include research, the examination of documents, testimony and evidence, and interviews with experts. Investigative work involves deeper and more detailed study of a subject or problem than do other types of journalism. “Investigative journalism” sheds light on specific activities, affairs, issues, or on certain events and social phenomena not yet well known or understood due to their complexity or to their having been previously shrouded in secrecy.
The problems and difficulties inherent in doing investigative work sometimes make it acceptable to use clandestine methods to gather facts and evidence, such as using hidden microphones and cameras, concealing one¹s identity, penetrating organizations under false pretences, and surreptitiously following individuals. The Press Council recognises that at times the press must and should employ these methods, but stipulates that they be used only in exceptional cases: when the public interest demands it and when more conventional methods are insufficient to obtain the information required.
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UNDER THE THEME:
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Journalistic ethics demand that journalists clearly identify themselves when gathering information and conducting interviews. The use of clandestine methods can be justified only when the information required cannot be obtained in any other way. The media must use such methods judiciously. In all cases, the public must be informed of the methods used at the time the story is published or broadcast.
The media and journalists must avoid tendentious behaviour toward the subjects of their investigations and avoid depriving them of the presumption of innocence. The press must avoid descending into what might be called “gotcha journalism”. Abuses of this sort ultimately weaken the effectiveness of investigative journalism and diminish the credibility of journalists, the media and the information that they convey.
For more information on that subject, see the section entitled Investigation Techniques. | |
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