BOOK REVIEW: INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING BY DAVID SPARK

 

Author: David Spark,

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!