BSJ Investigative Journalism Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'computer-assisted reporting' (CAR)?
- Using AI software to write news stories automatically
- Using spreadsheets and databases to analyze public records and find stories in data (Correct answer)
- Recording interviews using computer software
- Using a computer to auto-publish approved press releases
Correct answer: Using spreadsheets and databases to analyze public records and find stories in data
Computer-assisted reporting (CAR) uses database analysis, spreadsheets, and statistical tools to find patterns and newsworthy information in large data sets.
Question 2: What is 'follow the money' as an investigative journalism strategy?
- Tracking a story's potential advertising revenue before assigning it
- Tracing financial transactions to reveal corruption, conflicts of interest, or illegal activity (Correct answer)
- Monitoring the stock prices of companies in a news story
- Examining a newsroom's budget to find editorial bias
Correct answer: Tracing financial transactions to reveal corruption, conflicts of interest, or illegal activity
'Follow the money' means tracing financial flows—payments, contracts, donations—to uncover corruption, bribes, or hidden conflicts of interest.
Question 3: What does 'on background' mean when a source agrees to speak to a journalist?
- The source will only discuss historical events
- The information can be used but the source cannot be identified by name (Correct answer)
- The journalist may not publish any part of the conversation
- The source requires the journalist to submit questions in advance
Correct answer: The information can be used but the source cannot be identified by name
'On background' means the journalist can use the information provided but must not identify the source by name, often attributing it to 'a senior official' or similar.
Question 4: What is an 'IRE' and what resource does it provide to U.S. investigative journalists?
- Internal Revenue Enforcement — provides tax records
- Investigative Reporters and Editors — provides training, tipsheets, and a story database (Correct answer)
- Independent Reporting Ethics board — oversees journalism conduct
- Internet Research Engine — a specialized search tool for journalists
Correct answer: Investigative Reporters and Editors — provides training, tipsheets, and a story database
Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) is a U.S.-based nonprofit that provides training, conferences, tipsheets, and a database of award-winning investigative stories.
Question 5: What ethical obligation does a journalist have before publishing a story that contains serious allegations against a person or organization?
- File a FOIA request for all related documents first
- Give the subject an opportunity to respond to the allegations (Correct answer)
- Obtain approval from the newsroom's legal team only
- Publish the story immediately to prevent suppression
Correct answer: Give the subject an opportunity to respond to the allegations
Journalistic ethics require giving subjects of serious allegations a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Question 6: What is 'open-source intelligence' (OSINT) in investigative journalism?
- Using only publicly licensed photos in articles
- Gathering information from publicly available sources such as social media, court records, and satellite images (Correct answer)
- Accessing sealed court documents through legal channels
- Sharing story tips with other news organizations
Correct answer: Gathering information from publicly available sources such as social media, court records, and satellite images
OSINT involves collecting and analyzing information from publicly accessible sources—social media, public filings, maps, images—to develop investigative leads and verify facts.
BSJ Investigative Journalism Techniques 2
What is 'computer-assisted reporting' (CAR)?