The concept of investigative journalism once carried a certain prestige, evoking images of reporters tirelessly uncovering crucial stories through diligent research and diverse sources. This was journalism that delivered genuine news, holding power to account and informing the public on matters of real consequence. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Much of what is now presented as “investigative journalism,” both on national and local news platforms, often resembles staged events designed to create sensationalized content rather than to uncover hidden truths. These programs, exemplified by shows that set up individuals in artificial scenarios or local news stings targeting businesses, prioritize creating a spectacle over substantive reporting.
This approach is not true investigative journalism; it’s a shortcut for ratings and a self-congratulatory exercise for news outlets. These staged scenarios allow broadcasters to project an image of expertise and control, subtly implying they know best how the public should behave and think. While these programs meticulously create news, they simultaneously neglect their fundamental responsibility: to tackle the complex, uncomfortable truths of the real world. What would a truly dedicated investigative journalist do instead of setting up artificial scenarios?
They would be digging into the unresolved questions that genuinely impact society. What happened to the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, a central justification for a major conflict? How did the Patriot Act, enacted in the name of security, evolve into a potential overreach of civil liberties? Why does widespread unemployment persist, and why is it increasingly necessary for two incomes to support a single household? Who was responsible for supplying weapons to Mexican cartels, contributing to violence and instability? What were the true circumstances surrounding the deaths of American citizens in Libya, and were there any attempts to obscure the facts? Why are nations allowed to pollute without consequence, and how did we lose so much personal privacy in recent years? These are the questions that demand rigorous investigation, the issues that require in-depth reporting.
Instead of pursuing these challenging investigations, many news outlets default to amplifying government narratives or presenting simplistic morality plays within contrived situations. This “easy way out” allows them to appear proactive without engaging in the difficult, nuanced work of real investigative journalism. It’s akin to law enforcement choosing broad, indiscriminate tactics over targeted, effective policing. What would responsible journalism look like? It would prioritize uncovering systemic issues and holding powerful institutions accountable, rather than manufacturing easily digestible, albeit ultimately superficial, content.
We are left in a situation where powerful institutions operate with diminished scrutiny, while some journalists seem to perceive themselves as an unchecked authority, believing their credentials grant them universal expertise. This shift away from genuine investigative work towards staged scenarios and superficial reporting undermines the vital role of journalism in a democratic society. The question remains: what would it take to return to a form of investigative journalism that prioritizes truth, accountability, and the exposure of genuinely important issues?
