The value of milestones in journalistic investigations: How stages can guide your reporting process

In the world of investigative journalism, where accuracy, timeliness and rigour are paramount, the value of clear, structured milestones cannot be overstated. These 'go' or 'no-go' moments - when critical decisions are made about the direction and depth of an investigation - play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, efficiency and success of a journalistic project. By strategically incorporating milestones into your planning process, investigative teams can navigate the complex and often murky waters of long-form stories with greater confidence and precision.

What are milestones?

Milestones in investigative journalism refer to specific checkpoints or stages in the life cycle of a project where teams assess progress, make key decisions and either move forward or pivot based on new information. They serve as key markers that help journalists manage time, resources and expectations effectively. Rather than rushing headlong into a sprawling investigation without clarity, these checkpoints allow journalists to take a step back, analyse the data they have gathered and refine their approach.

Each phase typically has a set of predetermined deliverables - such as sourcing, fact-checking, legal review or obtaining additional evidence - that help the team decide whether to proceed or reassess. For example, after completing preliminary research, a milestone might involve deciding whether there is enough credible evidence to proceed with more in-depth interviews. At another point, a legal milestone might assess whether the report risks breaching any ethical or legal guidelines.

Why include phases in your planning?

1. Mitigate risk and reduce uncertainty

Investigative journalism is inherently risky. Reporters are often dealing with sensitive issues, confidential sources or exposing powerful entities that will fight back. Without clear milestones to assess progress and risk, it's easy for an investigation to lose focus or wander off course.

By adding stages, you can systematically evaluate potential risks, such as defamation, legal repercussions, or the possibility that a lead isn't as solid as originally thought. At each milestone, the team can decide whether to proceed with caution or adjust strategies to minimise damage or enhance the integrity of the investigation.

2. Improving team collaboration

Investigative work often involves a diverse team of journalists, researchers, legal experts and editors, all of whom need to be aligned on the trajectory of the project. Milestones are an effective way of breaking down larger projects into manageable segments that can be tackled collaboratively. Key moments allow for real-time feedback from team members, fostering a culture of transparency and open dialogue.

For example, after a major interview or data collection milestone, journalists can share their findings with others on the team for evaluation and refinement. This collaborative approach can lead to more comprehensive investigations and help identify research gaps or blind spots that may not have been apparent at the outset.

3. Ensuring objectivity and accountability

Investigative journalism often involves significant personal investment, especially when working on a sensitive or emotional issue. Without structured checkpoints, it can be difficult to maintain objectivity, especially when there is pressure to publish quickly or produce a high-profile story. Milestones help ensure that investigations are based on facts rather than assumptions or personal bias.

Each stage becomes a moment for reassessment, helping journalists to look critically at the evidence gathered so far. For example, once a key document or source has been verified, a milestone can serve as a moment to decide whether to include it in the narrative. This process promotes accountability and ensures that the story remains fact-based.

4. Meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality

In journalism, especially investigative journalism, deadlines are inevitable. But the challenge is to balance timely publication with the need for thorough, accurate work. Without a clear roadmap, an investigation can be delayed or lack critical details.

Setting well-defined milestones helps track progress against deadlines, ensuring that work continues at a steady pace without missing essential steps. For example, once the research phase has been completed, a milestone could signal that the team is ready to start drafting, editing and preparing for legal review, all of which can be done in stages to meet the final publication deadlines.

5. Adapting to new developments

Investigative journalism is dynamic, and new information or sources may emerge at any stage of the investigation, requiring a shift in strategy. With milestones in place, the team is better able to pivot when unexpected developments occur. This adaptability is crucial in a media landscape where stories can evolve rapidly due to new evidence or breaking events.

Having regular checkpoints allows journalists to re-evaluate their methods and even expand the scope of their investigation if warranted. This approach increases the chances of uncovering additional truths and producing more impactful stories.

How can you as a team benefit from these assessment moments?

The value of adding milestones goes beyond organisational efficiency and risk management. Done correctly, these checkpoints can enrich the investigative process and increase the likelihood of producing groundbreaking, high-quality journalism.

1. Improve story depth and focus

Regular evaluation moments force investigative teams to slow down and critically assess the information they've gathered so far. This ensures that only the most relevant, high-quality information moves the investigation forward. For example, by re-evaluating sources at each milestone, reporters can identify new angles or lines of inquiry that may have been overlooked initially, deepening the impact of the story.

2. Boost team morale and motivation

Investigative work is often long and gruelling, requiring sustained effort over weeks or even months. Setting milestones gives the team a sense of progress and achievement along the way, which can boost morale and keep everyone motivated. Reaching an important milestone - such as verifying a key source - serves as a tangible victory, reinforcing the team's commitment to the investigation.

3. Data-driven decision making

Milestones provide a data-driven framework for assessing whether the investigation is on track. The data from each stage - whether it's the number of credible sources, documents or corroborated facts - can inform future decisions. If a milestone reveals gaps in information, the team can shift tactics or devote more resources to a particular aspect of the investigation.

Conclusion

Milestones are not just checkpoints; they are critical decision-making moments that can greatly improve the quality and effectiveness of investigative journalism. By breaking down a complex project into digestible stages, investigative teams can reduce risk, improve collaboration and ensure their stories are based on solid evidence. These evaluation moments also allow teams to adapt quickly to new developments and stay focused on the core story without losing sight of the important details. Ultimately, milestones help teams produce more impactful and responsible journalism while maximising their chances of success.

Are you interested in more information about how to organise your investigation or work more efficient with you team? Start with reading my GIJN Guide on project management and contact me for more information! I can coach and train you and your team in LEAN, Kaizen, project management, planning etc so let me know if you need help! (And don't worry - you will not be the first and not the last person to call for support!!)

Happy collaborating!