The Demand for Investigative Journalism | Robin Fields, Andy Donohue + More | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Investigative journalism is evolving due to the internet's ability to provide a platform for diverse voices and the use of data journalism to uncover important information. Despite challenges such as funding and access to data, the field is growing and creating new opportunities for impactful storytelling.

Transcript

FEMALE SPEAKER: Great, well, thank you all so much for coming and braving the rainy weather and dreariness. AUDIENCE: It's a [INAUDIBLE] event. FEMALE SPEAKER: I know. I know. But we got the hard-core group here live in the room. But as we just mentioned to our panelists, we actually have probably several hundreds more around the world in different... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The internet has revolutionized investigative journalism by providing a platform for diverse voices and enabling data journalism.
• 💁 Investigative reporting is evolving beyond traditional formats and now includes interactive tools and ongoing knowledge utilities.
• 🌥️ Collaborations and partnerships within the journalism industry are crucial for knowledge sharing and reaching larger audiences.
• ♿ Funding and access to reliable data remain challenges for investigative journalists, but innovative approaches and relying on public support can help overcome these hurdles.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the internet contribute to the future of investigative journalism?

The internet allows for the democratization of information, giving everyone the ability to share their thoughts and ideas without going through traditional gatekeepers. This provides a platform for investigative journalists to reach a global audience and share important stories.

Q: How does data journalism play a role in investigative reporting?

Data journalism is crucial in investigative reporting, especially in a world where big data is increasingly important. Journalists can use data analysis to uncover patterns, trends, and important information that traditional reporting may miss. This helps shed light on how big data is used and abused, holding organizations accountable.

Q: What are the challenges faced by investigative journalists?

Funding is a major challenge, especially for smaller organizations. It can be difficult to sustain operations without a regular source of income. Additionally, gaining access to reliable and usable data can be a struggle, as government agencies often make data difficult to access and understand.

Q: How does collaboration and partnerships contribute to investigative journalism?

Collaborating with other news organizations allows for knowledge sharing and the ability to reach larger audiences. Investigative journalists can work together to tackle complex stories, pool resources, and create a larger impact. Partnerships also help with localizing stories and making them relevant to specific regions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Journalists are embracing the internet as a platform to share their stories, allowing for diverse voices and opinions to be heard.

• The use of data journalism is becoming increasingly important in investigating and reporting stories, especially in a world where big data is both helpful and harmful.

• Investigative journalism is moving beyond traditional formats, such as articles and TV segments, to include interactive tools and ongoing knowledge utilities that provide ongoing value to audiences beyond the initial report.