JOUR 485 Investigative Reporting

All journalism classes can increase the ability to communicate or find information. Of all the journalism classes I have taken, Investigative Reporting has been the most enticing.

There has always been a desire to learn more about what it is to “investigate.” As I have gone through the class in the past two weeks, I have learned that, in a general sense, investigative reporting is stitched into general reporting. There can be Investigative Reporters, but in the long run, investigative journalism is begun within the realm of everyday news reporting. I remember a senario that was talked about in class; a reporter goes to the scene of a fire and finds that there is a much larger issue at hand with the government and the contract for the firefighters equipment.

As I read the course description, critical thinking stuck out to me. Critical thinking is necessary for almost every career or job but I think it is most needed in such a public vocation as journalism. The reporter can make or break someone’s life. Investigative journalism requires a keen eye for the story no one’s really looking for. As the story unfolds itself, the reporter needs to think critically and systematically to get the facts straight and find more information.

Within my future career and present practice of writing, I can see the ways that stuying Investigative Reporting would prove useful. The rational for the course explains that the role of an investigative reporter as, “a watchdog of big government, business and nonprofits.” My future career requires accuracy and quick thinking. The course seems to be designed to grow those skills so that the student can begin to fit into that “watchdog” position as a reporter. In my present practice of writing, this class will help sharpen my skills in being concise and fast-paced. The course will also further teach me how to write as if I am writing a story, not just an article. The most interesting articles are thought of more as a story, not just a segment in a paper. I write a blog every once in a while about either psychology, religion, or politics. I think the class’ content will mesh with the subjects I enjoy studying and writing about.