They point out that the essential energy of investigative journalism is "righteous indignation" as labelled by Ida Tarbell. This harks to its purpose as custodians of conscience. Glasser and Ettema describe the paradox between adversarial/sensational reporting and objective investigative journalism in its pursuit.
The paradox is that both deal in assumed universal and dominant values or common decency, with one defining these values and the other allowing these values to be interpreted through presentation of facts, but both proposing that the public make their own moral judgements. Adversarial reporting being the moral custodian with objective journalism providing moral disengagement. Their conclusion is that objectivity is not feasible with the adversarial nature of the reporting and that it does in fact influence values, hence defeating its purpose.
In some ways good investigative journalism is outcomes based. It is more than being an objective messenger. Fair reporters.org state that journalists needs to have:
- Curiosity
- Passion
- Initiative
- Logical thinking, organisation and self-discipline
- Flexibility
- Good teamworking and communication skills
- Well-developed reporting skills
- Broad general knowledge and good research skills
- Determination and patience
- Fairness and strong ethics
- Discretion
- Citizenship
- Courage.
Two journalism figures that have these qualities and through their investigations have initiated change are Liz Jackson and Sally Neighbour ,both having won several Walkley Awards each. Who can forget Jackson's, 'Fixing Cricket', the subsequent investigations and the continuing spotlight that remains on this shadowy aspect of cricket. Match fixing allegations continue Or Sally Neighbour's report, 'The Crown Deal' investigating the Victorian Crown Casino and just this week, 'Sex Slavery' on Four Corners. Watch here Already there are many follow-up reports on this and pressure has been placed on authorities to act.
It is no coincidence that these and many other Australian journalists have made there mark in investigative journalism thanks to the ABC, as private media outlets, who have switched to instant on-line news feel the economic pinch. Not just that but the role Public Relations is playing in providing these outlets with the easy story that requires none of the "shoe leather" journalism.
And finally Bob Woodward's (Watergate, 1974) take on all of the above.
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