Articles

Connecting Congressional Earmarks With Campaign Contributions

An investigative reporter creates a database of earmarks revealing the relationship between wasteful spending and political favors.

Employing Different Strategies With Two Projects

‘… investigative reporting can be just as effective at revealing why something did happen as it can be in documenting how something could happen.’

Finding Support for a Lengthy Mission

To do this investigative story, ‘we needed the total investment of our editors, our newspaper’s publisher and, in turn, Hearst Corporation executives.’

When Fierce Competitors Join the Same Team

North Carolina’s leading newspapers now publish each other’s investigative work ‘as prominently as we would have had we reported them ourselves.’

The Benefits of Computer-Assisted Reporting

‘… in this day of easily accessible data, computer expertise can be a great equalizer.’

The Missourian: A Unique Approach to Teaching Journalism

‘All journalism schools have trouble reconciling vocational goals and academic needs, and the conflict was felt first and most sharply at Missouri.’

Investigative Reporting: Strategies for Its Survival

New funding mechanisms and newsroom changes are needed if watchdog journalism is to thrive in small and midmarket news organizations.

The Rights and Responsibilities of Journalists

In his new book, Anthony Lewis offers a ‘cogent, yet complete accounting of some of the most searing issues that have faced journalists over the past decade.’

Journalists and Neighbors: Mehren and Harris

Now for a little truth-and-disclosure. Roy Harris is both a friend and a neighbor. He and I met 10 years ago on a fundraising walk for our local wildlife rescue…

Public Investigator: Transforming Tips Into Stories

Two reporters use quick-hit, watchdog journalism to investigate local issues—and blog about what they do.