It is intriguing; however not shocking that investigative journalism has included digital media in its communication sphere.
When one thinks of investigative journalism, he or she might consider the awe-inspiring and legendary cross generational focal-point of what we now consider investigative journalism—the 1976 classic film “All the President’s Men.” Instead of getting distracted by the iconic luscious locks that were sported in the film, we must remember that a new generation of investigative journalists was born. J-schools from all over the nation doubled in enrollment and the concept of reporting took on a whole new meaning. Today, we journalists now have a new muse. Digital media is indeed taking over the media industry, and although it lacks those iconic locks, it has forever shaped the way we see news.
So, as I observed the website for the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), I also began to realize that digital media is the new investigative journalism. Yes, the groundwork for that style of depth reporting is still rooted in the door-to-door, in-depth interview, relentless research, all-nighter approach to journalism. However, digital media is allowing for this type of hard-hitting news coverage to be conveyed through different forms. The sky is indeed the limit and through the use of graphs, charts, maps, video, slideshows, and the many other devices being crafted for us this very minute, we are able to see investigative journalism as never before.
For example, when researching stories about the rising K-12 class sizes in California, not only can I read an in-depth story about the issue’s statistics and hard-hitting facts. I can also look at an interactive chart that, by the click of a button, gives me a visual representation of the teacher-student ratio for each state, which I can then (if behooved) compare to California’s ratio.
And I know you all are probably tired of me talking about interactive maps, BUT this one is really really cool! Not only does it allow you to click over the different school districts in California, but with every click you can see information for each district on grades K-3 including the total enrollment, the class size, and even the annual amount that particular district received this academic year for a K-3 class size reduction.
This site also includes personal testimonies from the teachers who experience the effects of the increasing size of the classrooms. A few teachers from Plummer Elementary School in the San Fernando Valley are interviewed for a personal account of their observations. However, it would have been nice to see interviews from teachers representing several school districts. But hey beggars can’t be choosers, and the information that is presented on the issue is broken up and down rather nicely.
CIR has many other investigations on their site that can be found under the “CIR Investigations” tab. They were also founded in 1977 which I am claiming with no proof was maybe just kinda sorta inspired by “All the President’s Men.” C’mon. Think 1976 people! Anyhoo, what had me at hello was their site’s objective:
“Our innovative new model relies on in-depth collaboration with other news organizations, journalists, public policy organizations and universities, and fully exploits new storytelling technologies, to provide citizens—local and global—with critical, actionable information that impacts their lives.”
And there you have it. This sweet combination of investigative reporting and interactive media is cause for a new outlook on the future potency of media. I am sure our iconic journalism forefathers Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein would agree. Enjoy! http://www.centerforinvestigativereporting.org/investigations
