Secrets of the masters

Secrets of the Masters

'If money is your object, journalism is the wrong industry'

Fredrik LaurinSwedish investigative reporter Fredrik Laurin knows that power corrupts, but also that resistance in the form of journalism can have effect. In this Q&A he shares how his team identifies good investigative stories, and the value of constant networking.
Secrets of the Masters

'Never Forget You Have Only One Boss: the Truth'

Thomas MaierFind subjects where you can break new ground. Record key interviews on video or audio. And remember that a lot of your own faults can be overcome by sheer reporting effort. Stellar tips for investigative reporting from award-winning author and journalist Thomas Maier.
Secrets of the Masters

'Be sure this way of life is something you are keen on, because it will eat up your time'

Michael BiltonThe riches contained in this questionnaire with multi-award-winning investigative journalist Michael Bilton rival the wealth of his decades-long output at the London Sunday Times and as a documentary film-maker. Read on to learn details about his research methodology, and why a significant investment of time is the most critical component of each investigative report.
Secrets of the Masters

Be careful of the “master narrative”

Maud BeelmanMaud Beelman, founding director of ICIJ and now deputy managing editor for investigations and enterprise at The Dallas Morning News, has a strategic four-part checklist which helps her prioritize which stories to go after. She shares them here, as well as the most important lessons learned over the years, and how to make the most of the limited time and resources you are given.
Secrets of the Masters

'There are no bad sources, only incompetent reporters'

Rui AraujoNever go up against defenseless people. Never lie to your sources. Use the "two-step" approach when questioning. Investigative reporting techniques and journalism's moral code according to Portugal's "troublemaker" Rui Araujo.
Secrets of the Masters

It pays to look beyond so-called ‘experts’ in the field

Jenny NordbergNew York-based Jenny Nordberg discusses how she applies knowledge of human behavior to her interviews, the thrill of finding disturbing things just under the surface, the pretentiousness of the term ‘investigative journalist’, and how global networks like the ICIJ help expose "juicy" stories.
Secrets of the Masters

‘Tener claro para quién se trabaja y por qué se trabaja’

El periodista colombiano Carlos Eduardo Huertas habla sobre las características de un buen investigador, su experiencia con Wikileaks y por qué apostar a los grandes temas – y perserverar en ellos – vale la pena.
Secrets of the Masters

Great investigative reporters don’t take no for an answer

Phillip KnightleyThe first thing to keep in mind about investigative journalism is that it’s not glamorous. (We can blame television with its “undercover” reporters and “hidden cameras” for this mistaken image.) It’s actually hard and often boring work.
Secrets of the Masters

‘Open up as much dialogue with reporters in other countries as possible’

Paul RaduPaul Radu of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project walks his talk when it comes to sharing information and know-how. Here the Investigative Dashboard creator shares how he tracks down the money across borders.
Secrets of the Masters

‘Be annoying, and don’t give up’

Bill Birnbauer.Bill Birnbauer, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Monash University in Australia, shares the methodology and techniques which have served him best as an investigative journalist.

What are the most important tools of the trade that you, as an instructor, pass on?

The most important tool for investigative reporters is their attitude. They should: Read more about ‘Be annoying, and don’t give up’

Secrets of the Masters

‘A reporter’s trustworthiness and reputation for integrity is their greatest asset’

Sam SmythSam Smyth of the Irish Independent and Sunday Tribune newspapers talks about the greatest threat to investigative reporting, and how he gets his stories.

1. Tell us about the defamation case you were involved in recently Read more about ‘A reporter’s trustworthiness and reputation for integrity is their greatest asset’

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