An interesting point that was brought up in class was whether journalists, and investigative reporters in particular, have an obligation to serve as independent monitors of power. I think that those who hold office in the government, for example, should be held in check not only by each other (checks and balances), but by their constituents – normal citizens. We have a responsibility to monitor those who we choose to represent us in the government. The press also has an obligation to citizens to discover the stories, news, and find out what the truth is. We as journalists can help citizens to monitor power. I think the problem is that most citizens don’t know where to go or what to do to “keep their representatives in check.” Most of us would probably email our local representative and maybe join a Facebook group to make our opinions known. Citizens rely on journalists because they usually have connections, know who to talk to, and would probably have a better idea of the situation through their research and investigation. I think that journalists can continue to be loyal to all who read their work by finding the truth and reporting the news.
Group 7 presented The Daily Universe article written last year that reported thousands of dollars of spending by BYUSA members. Most students thought the “secret” spending was wrong and were angry about it. The Daily Universe advisors, staff, and students got in trouble from the university for reporting such spending. Because The Daily Universe is a lab paper and run by the university, BYU had every right to get angry. However, I also believe that some investigative reporting is beneficial. It’s good for the public (BYU students, in this case) to know the truth behind where some of their tuition money is going. But I also think investigative reporting can go too far. The first example that comes to mind is WikiLeaks. I think American citizens should not be told top secret information that the government can take of themselves. We put people in office to take care of those kinds of things. Journalists must face a fine line between investigation that will provide meaningful information for those who read their work and that will harm or lead to negative consequences. We must do what we believe to be right and honest as we investigate.
Today’s Investigative Reporters Lack Resources:
How Investigative Journalism Is Prospering in the Age of Social Media:
Investigative Reporting in the Web Era:
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