BSJ Investigative Journalism Techniques

Question 1

What is FOIA and why is it important to investigative journalists in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Freedom of Information Act — gives journalists the right to request federal government records

Answer

Federal Online Information Archive — a database of public records

Answer

Foundation of Investigative and Open Access — an NGO supporting press freedom

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Freedom of Intellectual and Opinion Acts — a Supreme Court ruling

Question 2

What is 'document-driven journalism'?

Accepted Answer

Reporting that centers on obtaining and analyzing primary source documents to verify claims

Answer

Journalism that relies solely on press releases for story leads

Answer

Writing that focuses on historical events only

Answer

Journalism that avoids using anonymous sources

Question 3

What does 'source protection' mean in investigative journalism?

Accepted Answer

Keeping a confidential source's identity secret to prevent retaliation

Answer

Backing up digital files to protect against data loss

Answer

Protecting a reporter from lawsuits filed by sources

Answer

Using encryption to secure sources of advertising revenue

Question 4

What is a 'whistleblower' in the context of investigative journalism?

Accepted Answer

An insider who discloses misconduct, illegality, or wrongdoing within an organization

Answer

A sports journalist covering referee misconduct

Answer

A source who contacts multiple news organizations simultaneously

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An editor who alerts reporters to ethical violations

Question 5

What are 'public records' commonly used in U.S. investigative journalism?

Accepted Answer

Government-held documents accessible to the public under sunshine laws, such as court filings, property records, and budgets

Answer

Interview transcripts approved for public release

Answer

Only federal documents obtained through FOIA requests

Answer

Published academic research used as background material

Question 6

Why do investigative journalists typically seek multiple independent sources to corroborate a claim?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of publishing false information based on a single biased or mistaken account

Answer

To meet word count requirements for long-form articles

Answer

To satisfy legal requirements for print publication

Answer

To increase the number of named sources in a story