Investigative Journalism: A Survival Guide

by David Leigh

Overview

At a time of hyper-partisanship, media fragmentation and "fake news", the work of investigative journalism has never been more important. This book explores the history and art of investigative journalism, and explains how to deal with legal bullies, crooked politicians, media bosses, big business and intelligence agencies; how to withstand conspiracy theories; and how to work collaboratively across borders in the new age of data journalism. It also provides a fascinating first-hand account of the work that went into breaking major news stories including WikiLeaks and the Edward Snowden affair.

Drawing on over 40 years of experience with world-leading investigative teams at newspapers including the Guardian and The Washington Post, award-winning journalist David Leigh provides an illuminating insight into some of the biggest news events of the 20th and 21st centuries. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes work of journalists and news organizations. It also acts as an essential practical toolkit for both aspiring and established investigative journalists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030167516
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	09/09/2019
Edition description:	1st ed. 2019
Pages:	220
Sales rank:	485,084
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

David Leigh is one of Britain's best-known investigative journalists, and the Anthony Sampson Professor in Reporting at City, University of London, UK. He was head of investigations at the Guardian for 15 years, a journalist for The Times, the Observer and The Scotsman, and the first Laurence Stern Fellow at The Washington Post. He was also a TV producer at This Week and World in Action. He has won numerous journalism awards and is the author of several books, including Wikileaks: Inside Julian Assange’s War on Secrecy (2011).

Table of Contents

1. Introduction.- 2. A Short History of Investigative Journalism.- 3. Two Case Histories: Jonathan Aitken and BAe.- 4. Investigative Journalists and their Bosses.- 5. Journalists versus the Law.- 6. Dealing with Spies and Spooks.- 7. Conspiracy Theories.- 8. Bad Practice and Good Practice.- 9. Cross-border collaboration.- 10. Fake News in Mainstream Journalism.- 11. Trafigura – a Classic Investigation.- 12. Conclusion: A Golden Age for Investigative Journalism?

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Anyone in the world who has ambitions to be an investigative reporter should read this masterful and practical guide by David Leigh. It is honest, insightful and addresses many of the rarely-spoken-of issues faced by investigative reporters.” (Gerard Ryle, Director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Washington, D.C., USA)

“After a long career as the leading investigative reporter of his time, David Leigh turns the spotlight on himself in this compelling account of how he held power to account, uncovering the stories they didn't want told. His investigations brought awards to his papers. This memoir tells how he did it, and will inform budding investigators and all who care about the importance of free media.” (Peter Cole, Emeritus Professor of Journalism, University of Sheffield, UK)