Paul Miller: Investigative Reporting

Deborah Nelson, associate professor of investigative journalism

Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland

INVESTIGATEWASHINGTON.ORG @Newshawk

What is investigative reporting?

(Why an iceberg?)
What is investigative reporting?
 “..Exposing to the public matters that are concealed – either deliberately by someone in a position of
power, or accidentally, behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances that obscure understanding” –
Story-based Inquiry

1 - cc Eric bij de Vaate

2 - cc Dontdothisathome
PLOT IT.
TEST IT.
It started with an anonymous call
 TIP: The US government is subsidizing construction of homes for poor Native American families on the
Tulalip reservation near Seattle. The two top tribal officials in charge of construction project – a married
couple making nearly $90,000 a year – are using the low-income subsidies to build themselves a 5,300-
sq.-ft mansion. The caller provided the names of the officials and the address where the house was under
construction.

FUNDAMENTAL FACTS I NEED TO PROVE (OR DISPROVE)?

WHERE WOULD I FIND THEM?

WHICH WOULD BE EASIEST TO PROVE/DISPROVE?

3 Steps to FOIA Success
LAUNCH IT.

Once you know you have a story worth investing more time….

• Take it to your editor

• Ask for more time, staff, resources as needed

• Assess progress at least once a week

• Keep going -- until you stop making forward progress – or until external factors (boss,
competition, news) dictate that you publish/post/air.
Deborah Nelson, associate professor of investigative journalism

Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland

INVESTIGATEWASHINGTON.ORG @Newshawk