Finding stories worth telling-how to find stories as an investigative journalist

Investigative journalism involves finding and systematically investigating a single topic or a story. It involves unearthing secrets that expose corruption or malpractice. But the question that comes to our minds is how do we find such stories?

In this article, we will discuss various methods and strategies that can be used to find an interesting story.

1.?????Start with a question

What is it that you have always wondered about? Is there any law or government policy that does not seem to serve its purpose? Is there anything suspicious about a decision made by any educational or other institution that affects the lives of many people? What debates are going on in different discussion forums as you watch the news on television? Observe and keep reading while keeping your eyes and ears open. Follow your curiosity and find something that inspires you.

2.?????People have stories?

People don’t have cases-they have stories and hence the most genuine stories are about people and often impact the lives of a large number of people. When looking for a story, find the things that affect you, and combine a transparent story with strong evidence to support it. In any incidence, some people suffer and some people benefit. There are perpetrators, witnesses, and decision-makers. The key is identifying the threads and sources as the investigation continues.

3.?????Conduct a feasibility scan?

As investigative journalists, we have to find answers to certain questions. Before starting an investigation, conduct a feasibility scan. Write down a list of possible records and try to find them. Roughly estimate the size of the project and the time and money that will be required. Are the people or sources we need to contact alive, easily approachable, and willing to share information??

4.?????Formulate sharply phrased questions?

Sharply phrased questions will make the process of finding a story and conducting research much easier. We can ask ourselves questions like what is it that we exactly want to know, how and why did something happen, and why did it happen in the way it happen. Questions like why are things happening the way they are, who says so, and is the organization/ person benefitting from it? Is the given explanation believable and plausible? Is there a history to this topic, if so, why is it on the agenda again???The list of possible questions can go on and on, so reducing the questions to two or three will save a lot of time.?

5.?????Be aware of the risks involved?

Journalistic inquiries can be quite risky at times. Through such investigations, often we uncover frauds of big companies or powerful institutions. We need to be aware of the repercussions on publishing mediums and the possible consequences of reporting on sensitive issues.

Finding a good story is only the first step involved in the process of reporting on investigative inquiry, researching and telling the story in an entertaining and revealing way is as important as finding a good story.

Are there any other methods that can be used to uncover an interesting story? Let me know in the comment section below.