Ethical Dimensions of Investigative Reporting

Academic Paper from the year 2019 in the subject Communications - Journalism, Journalism Professions, , language: English, abstract: One of the most authoritative definitions of Investigative Reporting (IR) comes from the association of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE): It is the reporting, through one's own work, product and initiative, matters of importance which some persons or organizations wish to keep secret. According to this definition the three basic elements of IR are: that the investigation be the work of the reporter, not a report of an investigation made by someone else; that the subject of the story involves something of reasonable importance to the reader or viewer; and that others are attempting to hide these matters from the public. At the same time it should be added that views on IR is somewhat polarized. The answer to why IR is needed is manifold. Some of the tools that could be used for IR are archives, whistle-blowers, anonymous sources, and undercover operations (Sting). IR is a public service and it is a powerful catalyst for change and so it should be based on ethical principles. Some of the ethical principles on which an investigative reporter might base his/her work are: Aristotle's Golden Mean; Kant's Categorical Imperative; Mill's Principle of Utility; and Judeo-Christian Principle. For, he/she would have to face ethical dilemmas connected to sources, sting (hidden camera and bribery), fake stings, objectivity, privacy, and trial by media.

Did his PG Diploma in Media studies from Griffith College, Dublin, Ireland, and Licence and Doctorate in Social Sciences, specializing in media, from Gregorian and St. Thomas Universities in Rome. Has a Master's Degree in Philosophy from Nagpur University. Licence in Philosophy from St. Thomas University, Rome. Taught Media, and Philosophy for 22 years at many Institutes and colleges. Was Director of Gyandhara, Institute of Philosophy, in Orlim, Goa. From 2012-15 he taught the Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programme in the Mass Communication Department, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous) Bangalore. He was also the Head Of the Department (HOD). Has published six books. Presented papers in national and international conferences and seminars. Published scientific papers in reputed journals. Written numerous articles in religious and secular magazines. Filed press reports and Letters to the Editor in secular magazines and newspapers. He has a significant presence in online media with a personal website, blogs, and social networking pages offering comments on economic, political, religious, and social matters. He has been a full Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Amity University, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.