NAME: ODUTAYO OLAMIDE ROKIBAT
MATRIC NUMBER: P/ND/21/391089
CLASS: ND 3 (PART TIME)
COURSE TITLE: INVESTIGATIVE AND INTERPRETATIVE REPORTING
COURSE CODE: MAC 227
ASSIGNMENT
Write a summary on the first seven chapters of the recommended textbook for the course.
CHAPTER 1- DYNAMISM IN NEWS REPORTING IN THE SOCIETY.
The introductory chapter of the textbook discusses extensively the dynamic nature of news, news
audience and the news reporter. News is a timely and factual account of an unusual event of human
interest. News is a summarized analysis of a recent happening that the audience can relate to. One of
the features of news is flexibility (dynamism)- ability to change; news is not static, it's flexible and even
the consumers are changing, advancing, evolving constantly. Hence, reporters have to make research at
all times to meet up with people's expectations so as to retain listenership/viewership. News, due to its
flexible nature is divided into three categories which are: straight/hardnews, investigate news and
interpretative news.
The functions of the new media remain the same as the traditional functions which include ~ informing
the public; entertaining the public; interpreting news stories and preservation of cultural heritage.
In Nigeria, the press which is an Integral part of the society derives its powers to function from the
constitution. Section 22, subsection 2 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria as
amended obligated the media to perform roles in holding government accountable. It is also protected
in section 39 subsection 1&2 of the same constitution. However, no press is completely free which
explains the concept of media Censorship and Laws guiding the profession e.g law of invasion of privacy,
obscenity and harmful publication, sedition, libel, slander etc. Also, for one to be a good reporter, one
has to possess the interrogatory prowess of an intelligence officer and the probing acumen of a jury; one
has to be first and foremost a good journalist; one has to have nose for news and one has to be able to
conduct research.
News is not fiction. Reporters don't just come up with stories while relaxing on their bed and pick up an
pen to write. News is factual, realistic which is why there are some factors to consider while writing.
These factors are truth, accuracy, objectivity and balance. Also, there are factors that determine news.
Like its stated earlier, news is not fiction. These determinants are: Timeliness, proximity, prominence,
oddity, magnitude, consequence and human interest.
News stories consist of various types. These are; straight news which is a direct, straight to the point
account of an event. It is brief and concise and written in an inverted pyramid style of writing which the
most important gist of the story comes first, the first paragraph also answers the 5Whs. The second type
of news story is Muckraking which exposes societal ills. It is a form of investigative journalism that
questions abuse of power by the government and gives justice to mistreated citizens. Another type of
news stories is interpretative stories which aims at clarifying the idea or ideology in a news for easy
comprehension by the public. The indepth news stories are also another type of news stories as they
give a deep and detailed account of the story. They have more facts and information which explains why
they're indepth. An example is feature stories. Most of them are published or broadcasted after it has
been reported in the hard news.
In addition to the types of news stories is the investigative stories which unearths what an
organization/company/government wants to remain hidden from the public. The sixth type of news
stories is campaign journalism which involves taking sides in an issue as a journalist and wanting the
public to be on one's side by presenting facts to them. The last type of news stories is the humanistic
reporting which is a humanized story. It's coming from a personalized perspective and attracts
listenership/viewership because it'll make a reader stop in their tracks and think "this is a human like
me".
In summary, the first chapter of the book introduced news as a dynamic element and the various
characteristics that makes news become NEWS.
CHAPTER 2- PUBLIC INTEREST AND INTERPRETATIVE/INVESTIGATE REPORTING.
The second chapter of the textbook discusses public Interest journalism. As it was stated in the first
chapter that one of the determinants of a news story is human interest which means news must have a
humanized view to it. The press in any society has so much power that they can either heal or break that
society. Public Interest journalism came into existence to eradicate the anarchical journalistic writing
which was thriving in the last century. According to an independent nonprofit newsroom that promotes
investigative journalism, Pro Publica, Public interest journalism is the art of gathering and disseminating
news on truly important issues with "moral force". Moral force in this context means a positive
motivational influence or inducement. What public interest journalism entails according to them is
educating, informing and forming public opinion using journalistic ethos (logical arguments) for the
benefit of all.
The second chapter also talks about the connection between public interest and investigative
reporting.
Nweke said: public Interest is best viewed as the distinction between national interest and public interest.
He sees public interest journalism as a means of protecting and empowering the public. Another
connection the textbook talks about is the one from Shepherd's point of view which says...
"The gospel of public interest journalism emphasizes that journalism professional passivity is passé:
activism is hot. Detachment is out; participation is in. Experts are no longer the quote machine of choice;
readers' voices must be heard".
As a public interest journalist, one is first and foremost a journalist carrying out journalistic
duties/functions which Harold Lasswell provided in 1986. While at work, journalists must also be sure to
observe the rule of objectivity (neutrality) at all times so as to help carry out duties effectively.
Practicing public interest journalism comes with lots of benefits, some of which are achieving political
objectives, economic objectives, social objectives and educational objectives.
Lastly, being a public interest journalist is not all sunshine and rainbows, it comes with hazards which
one must be ready to face at anytime while one is on the job. These hazards include~ threat to life;
bribery; media ownership; censorship; death; kidnapping; termination of appointment or demotion.
CHAPTER 3- INTERPRETATIVE REPORTING.
Chapter three of the textbook enunciates interpretative journalism/ reporting profoundly. Interpretative
reporting interprets the idea or ideology in a news. It gives details of A NEWS BEHIND A NEWS. It
INTERPRETATIVE fallacies of the government. This chapter makes a reference to the introductory
chapter of the textbook which discusses the dynamic nature of news and news consumers.
Interpretative reporting was birthed due to the changes in the society. The news audiences don't just
need to hear the 5WHs, they need a platform for information. They also want news that are expressed
for direct understanding, hence, the rise of interpretive reporting. Another reason for the evolution of
interpretive reporting is the difficult nature of news. Audiences need help to Interpret the news they
read/hear. They need it to be broken down to bits for them to digest it. News is a FACTUAL account of
an event as we all know but people need more than just fact. They need the truth.
Hutchin's commission (1947)- "it is necessary to report the truth about the fact".
There are however methods of carrying out interpretive reporting. According to the textbook, a writer
can choose to add to the information in the news story (sidebar, stunts) or he could attempt answering
the question: "what does it mean?" (Interpretative article)He could also choose to supplement facts on
the current matter by drawing inferences from the previous chapter (historical background). The writer
could also approach the matter with speculations or he could choose to use a survey method. Lastly, he
could shed light on a particular prominent individual or someone who has happened to make news.
The chapter also discusses the features expected of an interpretative reporter. Usually,
senior/experienced journalists take up this type of reporting, however, young reporters can also involve
themselves in it if they are good with adjectives, have good reporting and research skills, persistent,
courageous and reliable.
Another topic of interest the third chapter of the book talks about is the formats interpretative reporting
comes in. These are Editorials ~ which is the view of a newspaper or magazine company on an issue of
public importance. Columns~ are written by experts in a particular field. They express their view on
issues that affect their profession or the public as a whole. The third format is Editorial policy. The
primary aim of editorials and columns is to interpret news, inform audience, influence/mould public
opinion and entertain the public. That purpose should always be kept in mind when writing. The
editorial page is for readers. It's written for them and has various elements such as cartoons, caricatures,
commentaries, crossword.
Conclusively, the chapter emphasizes the need for news to be interpreted to people so they might be
kept abreast of what's going on in the society. Lastly, an interpretive report might be a CALL FOR ACTION
for the government to act.
CHAPTER 4- INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING.
The fourth chapter of the text discusses investigative reporting, the importance, nature and the
investigative reporter. Investigative reporting is the act of reporting a particular event, story that wants
to be buried, killed, not to be known by the public. It's an effort to unearth facts that has been buried.
Some popular definitions of investigative reporting are:
Investigative reporting is the reporting on matters of importance, which some persons or organizations
wish to keep secret. Nwabueze (2005:11).
Investigative reporting is hard stories, hard to assemble and hard to tell. ~Centre for investigative
reporting,USA.
Investigative reporting at its best is master detective work. It is a way of reporting that makes it a tool of
the depth writer. It is a situation reporting rather than event reporting, although events may be involved.
~Kamath (1980:156).
All the definitions have something in common which is "indepth reporting". That is to say, investigative
reporting is written to dig, expose, reveal, uncover and unearth facts to better the society. They are
written on matters that have consequences on the larger majority of the citizens. It should however be
noted that this type of writing is based on facts. It is not fictional. It is not fabricated. It observes the rule
of objectivity strictly.
Investigative reporting serves a lot of purposes. The aims are to make public Institutions self conscious,
to strengthen faith in human nature, to make known to the public the activities of people at the helm of
affairs, oil the wheel of democracy, check the inhumanity of man to man.
The investigative reporter must possess certain qualities to perform their duties effectively. They
include: passion, inquisitiveness, ability to think logically, flexibility, teamwork, excellent writing skills.
Lastly, the main advantage of investigative reporting is to serve public interest and bring about
revolution in the society. Other merits are; to encourage transparency in authority, aid mass media in
performing their role as the fourth estate of the realm, widen scope of journalistic liberty.
Conclusively, investigative reporting is a serious business and everyone should participate in it.
CHAPTER 5- ISSUES THAT READILY LEND THEMSELVES TO INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING.
Chapter five discusses the certain cases/matters that are prone to investigative journalism. Simply put,
matters that are investigative journalism worthy. They are as follows:
The first and foremost matter is the issue of Governance. The most important element of good
governance is TRANSPARENCY! others include accountability, rule of law, equity and inclusiveness,
sound financial management, protection of human rights and protection of cultural identities. For
instance, the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria provides the benefits Nigerians are
entitled to through the exclusive, concurrent and residual legislative lists. Investigative reporting targets
any government in power that does otherwise, the investigative reporter does everything in his power
to unearth the ills the people in authority are hiding and liberate the citizens from their reign of terror.
The second matter is the case of crimes and criminals. What is a crime? A crime is an illegal act
punishable by law. Cases of this nature also require the attention of the investigative reporter and he
should work to ensure that these pills are made known to the public. Matters about companies and
their illegal activities also require the capable hands of investigative reporting. Matters of injustice and
the doers also rewuire to be made known to public for justice to prevail since thid kind of journalism is
meant to protect minority interest.
Tax Evasion is a serious issue that shouldn't be taken leniently. Prominent personalities tend to avoid
taxes because they think since they're high up, it's not necessary and they could easily wave it off with
their influence. However, the investigative reporter should endeavor to bring these tax evaders to book
and the knowledge of the public. When criminally minded people try to throw a country into a state of
anarchy, they are subserving public will and overriding rule of law, this matter requires urgent
intervention of investigative reporting. Another issue is crime against humanity (extra judicial killings).
Such cases should be brought to light and the notice of the general public.
Another vital issue that lend itself to investigative reporting is false declaration of assets. Thusis very
common in Nigeria by those in power because they think it's easy to wave a crime off in the country,
however times are changing with the advent of investigative reporting and there's been little reduction
in the rate at which people declare false assets. The issue of deaths in police custody is also another
matter that happens frequently due to the carelessness of the police officers and because it's against the
Writ of Habeas Corpus, they always try to bury it but it's the work of the investigative reporter to
unearth this mischief.
Good journalism is serving the public and protection of minority interest. If the interest of the minority
are being trampled upon, the investigative reporter should work hard to put a stop to it by bringing it to
the ears of the public. Also, the activities of the local government should be carefully monitored as
they're the grassroot government and are supposed to be closer to the citizens. If there's news of any
illegality, investigative reporting tends to expose it.
In summary, the chapter enunciate profoundly certain matters that needn't only the attention of the
police, EFCC or ICPC but also the urgent attention of the press precisely the investigative reporter.
CHAPTER 6- TECHNIQUES OF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING.
The sixth chapter of the textbook emphasizes the methods of investigative reporting. The methods are
carefully explained one after the other in the chapter with the first method being Direct Observation
which is a process whereby a reporter, on duty is observing from afar abnormal activities in a place to
sniff out news stories. An example is the case of Pfizer and the Nigerian Government. The second
technique is participant observation which involves the reporter actively taking part in the situation or
research process. Reporters who do this are very smart and have excellent social skills. Sources are very
essential to news stories which is why attribution is considered a feature of a news story because it gives
the story a sense of originality and truth. Hence, journalists should always be observant and endeavor to
get information from primary and secondary sources.
Leaks are unsolicited disclosures from vested interest about an organization or government in which
they have stake. People tend to be unsatisfied with how things are going in their place of work but are
scared to go against their employers directly so they go through the press, often times, anonymously.
However, the reporter must ensure to verify/validate the information. Interview is very important in
investigative reporting so as to verify and confirm information. A good investigative reporter must be
able to conduct interviews effectively. Newspapers, broadcast media reports and newsbreakers also
serves as good sources of information. Victims and witnesses of information are another way to begin
investigative reporting.
Lastly, the police are great sources of vital criminal issues. The reporter must establish rapport with the
police officers so as to get information regarding any criminal issues of great importance since they (the
police) would know better.
These are the various techniques of carrying out matters on various investigative reporting issues.
CHAPTER 7- INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING PROCESS.
Reporting is a process, investigation is a process, undoubtedly, investigative reporting is a process. The
seventh chapter of the textbook discusses extensively the processes of investigative reporting. The first
process/step is to be guided by the news value~ reporters shouldn't let leaks mislead them. The should
endeavor to get to the root of the matter and apply the rule of objectivity. Another step is to be vigilant.
Investigative reporters shouldn't be slow or lukewarm. They should be smart and vigilant at all times.
The third process is for investigative reporters to always get to the end of the barrel. They shouldn't just
report based on surface information/facts. Facts should be double checked. Also, they should be able to
achieve coherence in their writing. Words must be connected in a clear, logical and sequential manner.
Another process is the protection of news sources. Reporters have to assure and ensure protection of
their valid news sources who have no power of protecting themselves. Most times, their identity are
kept unknown. Also, all threats should be reported to the higher ups in the profession. The reporter
should always be guided by the law of the profession at all times. For instance, an investigative reporter
can go extra mile to unearth truth but he shouldn't go as far as invading people's privacy or defaming
people.
Facts are very vital to an investigative reporter. There must be truth and accuracy in everything being
reported so as to ensure a win. If a fact is probably, the case is going nowhere even if it's true. Opinions
should also be verified and it should be noted that opinion differs from facts. While the former is based
on complete truth proven scientifically, the latter is based on personalized view of an individual... It
might be intuition, hunch or a guy feeling. They should be distinguished.
Conclusively, the chapter did justice to the various processes of investigative journalism since news isn't
monolithic, the reportage definitely has to follow procedures.
