To be considered a true investigative feature, the reporting must typically meet these criteria:
: Reporters use computers and specialized tools to analyze large datasets, identifying patterns or anomalies that point to wrongdoing.
: The investigation is the reporter's own work, not a summary of existing findings or an interpretation of already public data. Investigative Journalism
: It involves a clear plan, from choosing a topic to gathering diverse perspectives and multi-source verification. How Investigative Journalists Work
: The subject matter should involve issues like corruption, law violations, or social injustice that directly affect society. To be considered a true investigative feature, the
: Working with confidential sources who expose internal secrets while ensuring their protection.
: Often, journalists must work with legal, economic, or scientific experts to interpret complex information accurately. Challenges in the Digital Age How Investigative Journalists Work : The subject matter
: Journalists spend weeks, months, or even years researching a single topic.