Title of Book: Investigative Reporting, A study in technique.
Publisher: CQ Press, a division of the Congressional Quarterly Inc.
ISBN No.: 9780240515434
Number of Pages: 271
REVIEW
In
Spark’s Investigative Reporting, he provides deep insights into the profession
of investigative journalism. He explores all avenues in the investigative work,
arming readers with fore knowledge on all the pros and cons of the profession.
With
sub-headings such as “what an investigative reporter needs”, “the qualities
required” and “the path to investigation” among others, Investigative Reporting
provides close guidance to both amateur and experienced practitioners of investigative
journalism. In fact, the book may correctly be referred to as a practical hand
book for investigative reporters.
Spark
makes a fundamental point within the first few paragraphs of the book, writing
that investigation is only a foundation for all news reportage and not a
reserve of investigative journalists. He further writes that all reporters
should do what “so called investigative journalists” do and seek all sides as
well as ask all relevant questions concerning a story.
We
encounter a distinction between proper journalism and straight forward
journalism as written by Tom Bower in his Book, Maxwell; the final verdict. To
throw insight in this distinction, Spark introduces an analysis of Ex President
Clinton’s statement in October 1998. The analysis pointed that the statement,
“there is not a single solitary shred of evidence of anything dishonest in my
public life.” was meant to mislead Clinton’s audience, and it turned out
exactly that way. A straight forward journalist is likely to report that
statement just as it is said; however, a proper journalist, with a generous
amount of skepticism would analyse this statement and ask questions which would
lead to the exposure of the intention of the statement as was done in the
seminar brochure in which it was analysed. While the straight forward or
“normal” journalist depends on official sources, the investigative journalist
moves beyond those and contact unofficial sources. Spark stresses the importance
of unofficial sources.
The
book distinguishes between three types of reporters: general reporters who
produce reports such as daily news, special reporters who have specialised in a
field and therefore know whom to speak with and how to reach hard-to-get
information is such field as well as reporters with an investigative turn of
mind. These reporters can be either specialised or general. However, they take
more time and ask more questions than their other colleagues, resulting in more
revealed truths and wowing angles in their work. They face more challenges and
also get more public approval when their work is done.
Spark
tells that “Reporters keen on investigative work side with the less powerful
and the forgotten.” He also writes extensively about the qualities that are
common to successful investigative reporters including the following: they have
a sense of politics and history; they are obsessive but not too obsessive; they
read extensively; they are outraged and emotional about wrong doing; they have
a moral conviction to keep going, and so on.
On
another hand, Spark lectures on some of the experiences that a reporter
experiences on the way to becoming an investigator. He points out that for all
of those who choose the path straight from college, those who venture into it from
other fields and those who understudy others before starting to practice on
their own, these huddles run through: some reporters get killed on the job;
some get the least to no support from bosses, co-workers and family; to mention
a few.
Drawing
from the experiences of many well-known journalists, Spark has identified the
many skills, special circumstances and common factors involved in different
types of investigations. It is particularly relevant, how he has elaborated on
the processes in getting uninterested informants to give information.
He
doesn’t leave out the dangers involved in the profession and the strains with
legal systems. He reveals among other facts that it is illegal to seek personal
information from a source that is not authorized to give that information. One
may have noticed through re-occurrence that many investigative journalists would
make use of any source, so far as some reliable information can be obtained
from the source. The trend seems to be that the illegality of this act is only
valid when the investigation is unsuccessful; however, a successful
investigation that reveals truth many a times, gets away with the act. Sparks
also makes a recommendation for further readings on laws for journalists in
investigation.
Spark’s
book has been called the most comprehensive book on investigative journalism.
It is undoubtedly one of the very best!
