investigative reporting

journalism

Also known as: investigative journalism

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Investigative reporting is a form of journalism focused on uncovering information that is not readily available to the public. It involves in-depth research, analysis, and often the exposure of wrongdoing, corruption, or significant societal issues. This type of reporting aims to inform the public and hold powerful individuals or institutions accountable.1

Historically, investigative journalism has played a crucial role in societal change, exemplified by the work of muckrakers in the early 20th century who exposed political and corporate corruption. Publications like The New York Times have a long tradition of impactful investigative work, including reporting on the Pentagon Papers and the Me Too movement.12

Ethical considerations are paramount in investigative reporting, particularly concerning the balance between revealing important truths and minimizing harm to individuals, such as respecting privacy and avoiding the publication of unconfirmed or sensationalized information.34

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Me Too movement
The role of investigative journalism
…Too movement was defined by investigative journalism that documented the searing accounts of women who had long endured sexual harassment. On October 5, 2017, The New York Times published an investigation by journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey that uncovered decades of predatory behavior by producer Weinstein and revealed how…
Read More
…Too movement was defined by investigative journalism that documented the searing accounts of women who had long endured sexual harassment. On October 5, 2017, The New York Times published an investigation by journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey that uncovered decades of predatory behavior by producer Weinstein and revealed how…
Read More

sources
Ethical and Legal Aspects of Sourcing
…case of whistleblowers, in which investigative reporters and sources collaborate to reveal abuses of power. For journalists, this kind of reporting can pose challenges, such as the establishment of secure communication channels and considerations about surveillance of their own activities.
Read More
…case of whistleblowers, in which investigative reporters and sources collaborate to reveal abuses of power. For journalists, this kind of reporting can pose challenges, such as the establishment of secure communication channels and considerations about surveillance of their own activities.
Read More