Investigative Journalist vs. Journalist

Attribute	Investigative Journalist	Journalist
Educational Background	May have specialized training in investigative techniques	May have a degree in journalism or related field
Focus	Focuses on in-depth research and uncovering hidden information	Reports news and information to the public
Skills	Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills	Strong writing and communication skills
Role	Investigates and exposes corruption, wrongdoing, or injustice	Reports news events, interviews sources, and writes articles

Definition

An investigative journalist is a type of journalist who dedicates their time and effort to uncovering information that is not readily available to the public. They often delve deep into a story, conducting extensive research and interviews to expose corruption, wrongdoing, or other important issues. On the other hand, a journalist is a broad term that encompasses anyone who reports on news and events for a media outlet. They may cover a wide range of topics, from politics to entertainment, and their reporting may not always involve in-depth investigation.

Skills

Investigative journalists require a unique set of skills to excel in their field. They must be persistent, detail-oriented, and able to think critically. These journalists often spend months or even years working on a single story, so they must have the patience and dedication to see it through to the end. In contrast, journalists in general need strong writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to work under tight deadlines. While investigative journalists may also possess these skills, they must go above and beyond to uncover hidden truths.

Scope of Work

Investigative journalists typically focus on uncovering stories that have a significant impact on society. They may investigate government corruption, corporate malfeasance, or other issues that require in-depth research and analysis. These journalists often work independently or in small teams, dedicating themselves to a single story for an extended period of time. On the other hand, journalists may cover a wide range of topics, from breaking news to feature stories. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast outlets, and their reporting may be more general in nature.

Impact

Investigative journalism has the power to bring about real change in society. By uncovering corruption or wrongdoing, investigative journalists can hold powerful individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. Their reporting can lead to criminal investigations, policy changes, or public outcry that results in reform. In contrast, while journalists play an important role in keeping the public informed, their impact may not always be as profound. They may report on a wide range of topics, some of which may not have a lasting impact on society.

Ethics

Both investigative journalists and journalists in general are held to high ethical standards. They must strive for accuracy, fairness, and objectivity in their reporting, and they must be transparent about their sources and methods. Investigative journalists, in particular, must be careful to avoid conflicts of interest and to protect the identities of their sources. They may face legal challenges or threats to their safety as a result of their reporting. Journalists, on the other hand, must also be mindful of ethical considerations, but they may not face the same level of scrutiny or danger as investigative journalists.

Conclusion

While both investigative journalists and journalists play important roles in keeping the public informed, there are key differences between the two. Investigative journalists dedicate themselves to uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, often at great personal risk. Journalists, on the other hand, cover a wide range of topics and may not always engage in in-depth investigation. Both types of journalists are essential to a functioning democracy, but it is the investigative journalist who often has the greatest impact on society.